Circular plastics buyer group – paint cans

The Netherlands aims to cut its use of primary raw materials in half by 2030 when compared to today. This goal represents a milestone on the road to a new, circular economy that is free of fossil resources. Recycled plastic (or recyclate) offers an alternative to new plastic. Still, procurement and application of recyclate are lagging behind. This buyer group is working on an industry-wide approach to encourage the use of recyclate to make the chemicals industry more sustainable overall.  

In the circular plastics buyer group, purchasers and suppliers are working together to make the paint cans product group more sustainable. In a series of meetings, they got to work setting out an ambition and configuring the boundary conditions, all the while focusing on how to make the product group entirely circular. The aim? Industry-wide agreements that ensure that plastic paint cans are made entirely of plastic recyclate. 

Market vision: circular paint cans

Paint cans can already be made entirely of recyclate without impairing their functionality. What’s more, there are so many paint cans on the market that the impact is high. But not all paint cans are made from recyclate – yet. This buyer group decided it was time to change things.  

Over the past year, the buyer group – comprising purchasers, suppliers, collectors and recyclers as well as industry associations – has been working on a market vision for the industry. At the same time, independent research and consultancy CE Delft has been conducting research into the environmental benefit of recyclate in paint cans.  

The market vision and the results of the survey carried out by CE Delft are now available.. The buyer group recently commenced the follow-up phase, which will see them working on the actions linked to the set boundary conditions.  

Interested in taking part in this group? Please get in touch at hallo@ikwilcirculairinkopen.nl.