Closed-Loop Recycling - Delivering on the Promise With Sustainable Packaging with Richard Akkermans of Mondelēz International

In this episode, Richard Akkermans, Director of European R&D Packaging Sustainability at Mondelēz International, discusses a Belgian collaboration between recyclers, brand owners, technology leaders, and Packaging Recovery Organizations (PROs) aimed at proving the business case for advanced sortation technologies to address the plastic pollution crisis and meet sustainability requirements. He emphasizes the importance of regulatory frameworks to level the playing field and achieve a sustainable circular economy.

Key Takeaways:

(02:59) The role of value chains in achieving packaging sustainability.

(05:12) Digital watermarks improve the detection and sorting of plastic waste.

(07:07) Advancing food-contact plastic recycling is critical for circularity.

(08:37) The supply and demand logistics for food-grade recycling.

(10:08) Regulatory frameworks will drive the demand for recycled materials.

(12:23) The value-action gap between consumer intent and behavior is narrowing.

(16:21) The Belgian initiative aims to prove the business case for intelligent sortation technologies for plastics recycling.

(18:36) Collaboration across the value chain is essential to scaling recycling innovations.

(23:28) The benefits of digital watermarks for food-grade plastic and the circular economy.

Resources Mentioned:

Digital Watermarking Initiative

Fost Plus