Join Plastics Recyclers Europe Guide PRE... · Join Plastics Recyclers Europe ... plastics value chain as well as representatives of authorities, ... WHY JOINING PLASTICS RECYCLERS

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Join Plastics Recyclers Europe

C r e a t i n g a S u s t a i n a b l e R e c y c l i n g N e t w o r k

Membership guide

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FAC TS & F I G U R E S

3 MILLION TONNESOF INSTALLED CAPACIT Y

COVERING MORE THAN80% OF THE EUROPEAN PLASTICS RECYCLING INDUSTRY

MORE THAN 120 MEMBERS

1.000 COMPANIES

30.000 EMPLOYEES

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A B O U T P L A S T I C S R E C YC L E R S E U R O P E

Plastics recycling industry is a growing business and although until recent years it had a relatively low profile today it has a great potential of becoming an essential pillar of the EU economy. This can be achieved by a strong representation of the recyclers’ voice at the EU level and further investments and harmonization of the industry.

Plastics Recyclers Europe is the only organization in the EU which gathers recyclers from across Europe. It was established in 1996 to represent plastics recyclers including National Associations and Individual Member Companies. PRE covers around 80% of the European Plastic Recycling Industry.

The association was established by 7 members back in 1996. Currently, Plastics Recyclers Europe is a network of more than 120 members from all over the EU and this number continues to grow.

In the first years of creation, PRE’s members recycled 200 000 tonnes of plastic waste. Today this amount reached 2.5 million tonnes and it continues to grow every year.

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M I S S I O N

The mission of Plastics Recyclers Europe is to promote plastics recycling and create conditions that enable profitable and

sustainable business.

Plastics Recyclers Europe organizes 3 events per year as well as number of workshops, conferences and exhibitions. For more

information visit our website: www.plasticsrecyclers.eu/news-events

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A D V O C AC Y

Plastics Recyclers Europe is one of the key stakeholders in the process of formulating, monitoring and evaluating the EU policies that impact plastics recyclers. The policies that affect recyclers fall under environmental policy which dates back to the 1972. They boomed in the 1990s when a number of legally binding targets were introduced. PRE is specifically knowledgeable of the Waste and Packaging Directives. Our organization has put plastics recycling in the spotlight of the public debate. Our actions have facilitated the creation of a Green Paper on Plastics which identifies public policy challenges induced by plastic waste that were not specifically addressed in the EU waste legislation. PRE has supported the Circular Economy Package, focusing on plastics waste, and stands behind an increase of the recycling targets to 55% by 2020. Through its various activities, PRE has increased awareness about waste exports management and has enabled recognition of incompatibilities between the waste legislation and REACH. A number of policy actions done by PRE have contributed to the growing structure of the plastics recyclers market.

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PRE consists of 7 Working Groups. They represent particular interest groups - depending on the type of the polymer or type of waste processed, these are so called vertical groups. Additionally, there are also 3 horizontal groups which interact with the vertical groups. Their aim is to strengthen and harmonize the organization’s structure and allow for communication between all of the groups.

PLASTICS RECYCLERS EUROPE’S WORKING GROUPS DIAGRAM

W O R K I N G G R O U P S O V E R V I E W

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Crates & Pallets Plastic crates & pallets reduce the amount of packaging waste generated. They provide for efficient storage and transportation of products, including fresh and fragile agricultural products or glass bottles. The life span of crates and pallets is around 10 to 15 years which decreases costs per circulation and considerably influences raw material savings. The market of crates and pallets made of recycled plastics has a great potential for development as these products clearly help development of a circular economy. To further develop, the market needs

standardization. That is why this Group develops an EU declaration of conformity system.

HDPE/PP The main market for virgin high-density polyethylene are blow moulded products, mainly used in consumer packaging. It is the second mostly applied polymer in production of bottles mainly used for: packaging liquids, cosmetics and detergents as well as food contact applications.HDPE Working Group was created in 2010 and currently covers around 70% of the recycling capacity in Europe. The Group pushes for more recycling by

improving and harmonizing collection schemes at the Member State level. Another objective of this group is promotion of eco-design for HDPE containers, particularly at the brand owners’ level, in order to increase and facilitate recycling. PRE developed guidelines which are aiming at producing high quality recyclate that could be used in new products like milk bottles with food contact recyclate grades. HDPE WG develops contacts with various actors of the HDPE value chain who by cooperating will further advance HDPE recycling on its way to sustainability.

LDPE Low-density polyethylene is used predominantly in packaging (mainly carrier bags) and agriculture. With the revision of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive ambitious targets and new Circular Economy Package the opportunities for LDPE recycling are within reach. Great opportunities lay especially in the agricultural films. However, treatment of this type of waste demands great expertise. Thinner

films, multilayer products and inter-polymer substitution means that film recycling companies have to adapt. The LDPE Working Group develops contacts at EU level in order to cope with the challenges of new streams and applications.

POTS, TUBS & TRAYS Recycling of pots, tubs and trays is a rather new activity developing in various countries. This Group looks for solutions for recycling of pots, tubs and trays which would not put in jeopardy the currently existing single polymer streams (e.g. PET, LDPE), and would allow for decreasing the amount of plastic waste which is currently not recycled.

W O R K I N G G R O U P S O V E R V I E W

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PETPolyethylene Terephthalate is a polymer widely used in packaging thanks to its lightweight and its durable properties. PET is fully recyclable and can be recycled up to 5-7 times without losing its properties. However, the purity of the input material is crucial in obtaining high quality recyclate, especially in food contact applications. Therefore, PET Working Group develops contacts at EU level in order to discuss the situation and opportunities to further harmonize and boost collection, production, technology and new applications. PRE PET Working Group

is the major representative body of plastics recyclers in Europe who address the issues in PET recycling industry. PET WG advocates for single recycling streams and standardization of current collection and sorting processes.

PVCPolyvinyl chloride is one of the most widely used polymer in the world. It is extensively used in building and construction applications as well as automotive, medical and electronics sectors. PVC has a very long life span, on average around 50 years. Thanks to its thermoplastic nature it can be recycled several times without losing any of its properties. The PVC Working Group is a platform for plastics recyclers to develop projects aimed at increasing quality and quantities of recycling within the PVC industry. It

also focuses on issues such as legislative and EU PVC recycling developments. This WG supports all the actions leading to increase in collection and recycling, including advocating for sustainable use of additives in new PVC products. Due to its durability and long life span, PVC enters the waste chain quite late, therefore, PVC WG members push for an increase of the collection of PVC waste.

Technical Parts

Use of plastics in the automotive and electronics sector in the past few decades has become extremely popular. Plastics allow for creative design, light weight and cost savings. A good example is car where over 50 % of its interior is made out of plastic. Loss of weight of the car helps to reduce the fuel consumption and as a matter of fact has a positive impact on CO2 emissions.

The Technical Plastics Working Group develops contacts at EU level in order to examine and facilitate the development of this growing market. In this sector

there is a great potential for plastics recycling. However, treatment of this type of waste demands great expertise as in this waste stream a broad variety of polymers can be found as they often play specific roles and are frequently used in small quantities.

W O R K I N G G R O U P S O V E R V I E W

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EU PROJECTS, ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

► RecyClass www.recyclass.eu/en/home/ Plastic packaging recycling does not begin with collection but design. Careless design often leads to leftover residue in emptied packages. Ill-prepared combinations of polymers and materials in packaging can create incompatibilities with efficient recycling processes. RecyClass aim is to verify the level of recyclability of a plastic packaging.

► EuCertPlast www.eucertplast.eu/en Certification targeted at post-consumers plastics recycling. It aims at encouraging environmentally friendly recycling of plastics by standardizing it and particularly focusing on traceability and assessment of conformity.

► SDS - R (Safety Data Sheets for Recyclers) www.sdsrtool.com Tool whose aim is to enable recyclers to achieve REACH Regulation compliance. It consists of a database of polymers and additives.

► EPBP (European PET Bottle Platform) www.petbottleplatform.eu The aim of this project is to evaluate packaging technologies and products for PET bottles as well as to enhance its innovation while minimising the economic and environmental consequences for PET recycling in Europe. This platform promotes PET recyclability.

► Plastics Recycling Show Europe Features a pan European exhibition and conference. Gathers over 80 exhibitors from plastics and recycling sectors who showcase their latest products and

services.

► Plastics Recyclers Europe Annual Meeting & Conference The event gathers every year around 200 delegates from across the plastics value chain as well as representatives of authorities, researchers and academics. The conference addresses the latest opportunities and challenges that the plastics recycling industry faces and features high-level speakers from the sector.

► Polyolefin Circular Economy Platform (PCEP) The platform is a multi-stakeholder group that seeks to identify the barriers and opportunities to increase Europe’s recycling and works towards ensuring the supply of high quality recycled plastics for the European market.

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EU PROJECTS, ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

► PolyMark www.polymark.org The aim of this project is to introduce regulation which would allow plastics recyclers in Europe to recycle non-food plastics waste into food contact plastics. As many countries outside EU countries do not have such limitation, this is a great disadvantage for the European recyclers. The project presents various solutions (including new technologies in plastic recycling) in order to change this situation.

► New_InnoNet www.newinnonet.eu

► The project is an initiative to establish a European platform for stakeholders aiming at showing how the concept of circular economy can be enhanced and stimulated through: reduction or elimination of waste, fostering systemic eco-innovation and generating new business opportunities. The main goal of the project is to mobilise stakeholders towards building a European Near-Zero Waste Platform.

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W HY J O I N I N G P L A S T I C S R E C YC L E R S E U R O P E?

BEST NETWORK OF PLASTICS RECYCLERS PRE is a network of plastics recycling companies and their business partners (including machine producers and brand owners). Members are granted access to the most important business partners in plastics and plastics recycling and to top experts and speakers which guarantee multiple ‘business to business’ exchanges within the network.

PLASTICS RECYCLERS REPRESENTATIONPRE is one of the key players in the process of formulating and monitoring EU policies.

EXPERTS’ KNOWLEDGEPRE grants access of its members to it experts’ knowledge, most recent market updates and news on commercial and environmental regulation. Members are receiving regular updates on new trends and developments in the business

including legislative updates.

PUSH PLASTICS RECYCLING TOGETHERMembers contribute to pushing plastics recycling by liaising with policy makers, NGOs and industry players. PRE affiliation is an opportunity to raise particular issues affecting the business and to contribute to a positive change in the market. Member companies are invited to participate in PRE’s workshops and projects of benefit to the industry.

MEMBER DISCOUNTMembers of the Plastics Recyclers network are entitled to discounts on seminars, conferences and trade fairs organized or co-organized by PRE.

ACCESS TO THE PRE EXTRANETEvery member has its personal account which grants access to documents, presentations and important information of the PRE database.

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• Two meetings a year: - Joint Vertical Working Group presentations on the issues faced by the recyclers - Friends of the Plastics Recyclers Europe presentations (based on the hottest topics)• Access to the general PRE information and mailings• Enhanced visibility - Company logo on PRE website• Opportunity to sponsor PRE events• Member’s discounts

M E M B E R S H I P T YP E

Who can adhere?

ACTIVE | COMPANIES

Have their main decision centre, the mother company, the main shareholder, a holding company or any other, in one of the European Union Member States plus Switzerland, Norway, Albania, Macedonia and the European Union Candidate Countries.

Are active in the plastics mechanical recycling sector.

• 3 meetings a year• 7 Vertical Working Groups to participate• Right to vote during the General Assembly • Regular updates on the EU legislation• Access to the general PRE information and mailings• Access to the PRE extranet*• Member’s discounts

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• Two meetings a year: - Joint Vertical Working Group presentations on the issues faced by the recyclers - Friends of the Plastics Recyclers Europe presentations (based on the hottest topics)• Access to the general PRE information and mailings• Enhanced visibility - Company logo on PRE website• Opportunity to sponsor PRE events• Member’s discounts• Possibility to make a presentation during a Working Group Meeting on request of a respective Chairman

Annual fee: 2.750€ | **3.500€**Different membership fee applies to PET Working Group

Annual fee: 3.500€

Annual fee: 10.000€ Annual fee: 5.000€

Companies or associations which are interested in the plastics recycling field

National plastics recycling associations

ACTIVE | ASSOCIATIONS FRIENDS

What benefits?

ACTIVE | COMPANIES ACTIVE | ASSOCIATIONS

• Can participate to the Horizontal Working Groups • Access to the general PRE information and mailings • Access to the PRE extranet*• Member’s discounts

REGRIND FRIEND PELLET FRIEND

ACTIVE MEMBERS

FRIENDS

*Only the WG you are affiliated to

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• •

What benefits?

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A D M I S S I O N

In order to apply for the PRE membership a Candidate Member shall:

1. Fill in the PRE Membership application form, which can be downloaded from the PRE website

Active Members: http://www.plasticsrecyclers.eu/membership

Friends: http:// www.plasticsrecyclers.eu/friends-pre)

or see annexed here the forms (page 12 & 13)

2. Applicants for Active Members (Recyclers) must send the application together with the national certificate of installed capacity as well as permit installation.

3. Send your application to: [email protected]

4. Verification of the application:

The Management Committee will verify whether the candidate fulfills the required conditions.

The application for access will be submitted to the General Assembly for approval and accepted by an affirmative vote by the Members at the General Assembly.

5. The applicant will be informed about the final decision of the General Assembly.

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AC TIVE MEMBER APPLICATION FORM

I hereby declare that I have read the Articles of Association and Internal Rules of PRE (see website) and agree to comply with them. I declare that the above mentioned information is correct and enclose a certified copy of our recycling permit.

Avenue de Cortenbergh 711000 Brussels – Belgium website : www.plasticsrecyclers.eu

Membership Category

Crates & Pallets LDPE PET Technical Plastics

HDPE/PP PTTs PVC

For more information see the PRE Articles of Associations & Internal Rules on our website

Company/Association Details

Legal name:.................................................................................................................................................................................................

Acronym:................................................................................. Country:.........................................................................................

Address:................................................................................... Telephone:.....................................................................................

Zip code:................................................................................. City:..................................................................................................

VAT no.:.................................................................................... Website:..........................................................................................

General email: ............................................................................................................................................................................................

Contact Person Details

First name:............................................................................. Last name:....................................................................................

Position:.................................................................................. Telephone:.....................................................................................

Email:....................................................................................... Accounting email: ...............................................................

Membership Category

Active Adherent

Company StampDate & Signature & name of authorized representative

I understand that participation to this working group is subject to specific conditions as written down in the PRE Internal Rules.

Please send this form back to Emilia Tarlowska via email: [email protected]

Phone : +32 2 742 96 82 Fax : +32 2 732 63 12 e-mail : [email protected]

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FRIENDS’ APPLICATION FORM

Yes, our company would like to be a Friend of the Plastics Recyclers Europe, we woud like to affiliate as: REGIND FRIEND PELLET FRIEND

I hereby declare that I have read the Articles of Association and Internal Rules of PRE (see PRE website) and agree to comply with them. I declare that the information provided above is correct.

Membership Categories1

1 For more information see the PRE Articles of Associations & Internal Rules

REGRIND FRIEND

► Two meetings a year:

• Joint Vertical Working Group presentations

(Crates & Pallets, HDPE/PP, LDPE, PET, PVC,

PTTs and Technical Parts) on the issues faced

by the recyclers

• Friends of the Plastics Recyclers Europe

presentations (based on the hottest topics)

► Enhanced visibility- Company logo on PRE

website

► Opportuinity to sponsor PRE events

► Access to the general PRE information & mailings

PELLET FRIEND

► Two meetings a year:

• Joint Vertical Working Group

presentations (Crates & Pallets, HDPE/PP, LDPE,

PET, PVC, PTTs and Technical Parts) on the

issues faced by recyclers

• Friends of the Plastics Recyclers Europe

presentations (based on the hottest topics)

► Enhanced visibility- Company logo on PRE

website

► Opportuinity to sponsor PRE events

► Access to the general PRE information & mailings

► Possibility to make a presentation during a

Working Group meeting on request of a respective

Chairman

Company/Association Details

Legal name:.................................................................................................................................................................................................

Acronym:................................................................................. Country:..........................................................................................

Address:................................................................................... Telephone:.....................................................................................

Zip code:.................................................................................. City:..................................................................................................

VAT no.:.................................................................................... Website:...........................................................................................

General email: ............................................................................................................................................................................................

Company StampDate & Signature & name of authorized representative

Please send this form back to Emilia Tarlowska via email: [email protected] de Cortenbergh 711000 Brussels – Belgium website : www.plasticsrecyclers.eu

Phone : +32 2 742 96 82 Fax : +32 2 732 63 12 e-mail : [email protected]

Contact Person Details

First name:............................................................................. Last name:....................................................................................

Position:.................................................................................. Telephone:.....................................................................................

Email:....................................................................................... Accounting email: ...............................................................

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Not e s

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Not e s

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Not e s

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Not e s

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Avenue de Cortenbergh 71 1000 Brussels, Belgium

Tel: +32 2 742 96 82 Fax: +32 2 732 42 18

[email protected] www.plasticsrecyclers.eu

C r e a t i n g a S u s t a i n a b l e R e c y c l i n g N e t w o r k

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