Towards toxic-free plastics and more sustainable recycling – Europe’s pressing challenge
PAST
EVENT
EVENT
Feb 11, 2014
00:00 - 00:00
Europe has produced and discarded as much plastic (in all its forms) in the last ten years as it "consumed" in the previous 100 years. Many believe plastic waste should be banned from landfill, however, much work remains to be done. Currently an average of less than 25% of plastics waste is recycled in the EU - and pressure to significantly increase the recycling rate is tempered by the fact that many plastics contain potentially harmful chemicals.
The Sustainable Prosperity for Europe (SPfE) Programme explores the foundations and drivers for achieving a sustainable, resilient and competitive European economy.
Prospering within the planetary boundaries requires rethinking our economic model, including our production and consumption patterns, as well as our energy, mobility and food systems. It requires addressing the climate emergency and environmental degradation, as well as becoming smarter with the resources we have. The transition to the world we want must bring both businesses and people along, if it is to succeed.
The Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Agenda provide the direction for travel globally and in Europe, and the SPfE Programme engages in a debate on the drivers and the means for achieving our goals. The Programme focuses on areas where working together across the EU can bring significant benefits to the member states, citizens and businesses and can ensure sustainable prosperity within the limits of this planet.
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