How distant is a circular economy in Saxony-Anhalt?
Recycling is an important component of a circular economy. The goal of the research initiative SmartProSys at the University Magdeburg is a chemical industry, that relies on renewable resources and produces easily recyclable products. CDS member Prof. Kai Sundmacher, spokesperson of the initiative, explains in an interview, how recycling processes work and how everyone can reduce waste.
Even though in international comparison Germany is leading in recycling, the largest part of plastic waste is still incinerated, to win back energy. There is very little real material recycling. Yet the potential for this is enormous, says Prof. Kai Sundmacher in an interview.
"In recycling, a distinction is made between mechanical and chemical recycling. In mechanical recycling, used plastic is first washed, shredded and granulated. This granulate can then be used in a plastic injection molding machine, for example, to produce new components. The advantage of this method is that the polymers in the plastic do not have to be chemically shredded, which is a very energy-saving type of recycling. Mechanical recycling, also known as material recycling, is therefore preferred.", explains the process engineer. However mechanical recycling cannot be repeated indefinitely.
The circular economy is a holistic concept, that encompasses recycling and other measures for the use of resources. In Magdeburg, work is currently being carried out specifically on a future carbon cycle economy, because carbon is a central element in climate protection. Carbon dioxie is considered the most important greenhouse gas, whose reduction in emission streams entails diverse challanges. Therefore the development of a carbon circular economy is necessary.
Prof. Kai Sundmacher names climate protection and the possibilities, to replace fossil raw materials with the usage of waste materials and thereby become less dependent on suppliers of fossil resources. "A circular economy gives us independence and opens new chances for technological leadership, especially in recycling. These offer many possibilities for patents and company foundations. We should understand the circular economy as a great chance for our future.", he emphasizes.