No global plastic regulation for the time being – companies are now challenged
The attempt to establish a globally binding agreement on the reduction of plastic waste at UN level has failed. Despite three years of negotiations, the approximately 180 participating countries were unable to agree on a joint treaty text in Geneva. While many countries from Europe, Asia and South America were striving for ambitious targets, oil-rich countries such as Saudi Arabia and Russia blocked further commitments.
For companies, this means that there is an even greater focus on personal responsibility and proactive action. Whether design-for-recycling, investments in modern sorting and recycling technologies or transparent material balances – the challenge now is to drive forward practicable and economically viable solutions. MEDIAN is supporting this process with technical expertise, strategic advice and practical implementation.
Using subsidies successfully – potential for plastics innovation
Innovative plastics solutions require not only technological expertise, but also financial resources. Acquiring funding remains a key challenge – especially for small and medium-sized companies. Important success factors are a precise selection of suitable funding programs, a clearly structured project concept, early planning and strong partnerships with research institutions or industry players.
As an experienced project partner, MEDIAN supports its customers from the initial idea through the application process to monitoring project implementation. Our experience in publicly funded programs – at federal, state and EU level – ensures efficient and sustainable implementation.
Fact check: Plastic labels – understanding what’s in the product
Plastic products bear standardized code numbers (01-07) that allow conclusions to be drawn about material properties, recyclability and potential risks. The labeling ranges from PET (01) to PE-HD (02) and PVC (03) to lesser-known categories such as polypropylene (05) or polystyrene (06).
This information is not only relevant for consumers, but also for manufacturers and processors who rely on transparent material selection and ecologically assessable products. MEDIAN helps to make material decisions in line with environmental specifications, market requirements and regulatory developments.
Plastics in vehicle construction – safety and lightweight construction combined
Modern plastics play a central role in lightweight automotive construction: they not only enable weight reductions and thus efficiency gains, but also safety-relevant structural solutions. Fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) in car body or interior components help to better absorb crash energy and reduce manufacturing costs at the same time.
The development of such materials requires comprehensive expertise in compounding, testing methods and regulatory requirements. MEDIAN supports OEMs and suppliers in the selection, development and validation of suitable materials – technically, economically and sustainably.
Energy efficiency starts with the building: plastics in insulation technology
There is enormous potential for reducing CO₂ in the building sector. Plastic-based insulation materials such as polystyrene or polyurethane allow a significant reduction in energy consumption. Thanks to their thermal properties, they prevent heat loss in winter and provide heat protection in summer.
Increasingly, the focus is also on bio-based or recyclable alternatives – for applications in sustainable construction projects or energy-efficient refurbishment, for example. MEDIAN accompanies the development of innovative insulation materials and supports architects, planners and construction companies in the material optimization of sustainable building envelopes.
