Circular Economy: Sustainable Packaging
From June 5 to 9, 2023, the GACC Midwest and GACC West, in cooperation with energiewaechter GmbH, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Change, will be conducting a business delegation to Illinois and California.
Globally, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled, while 22% is mismanaged, according to a recent OECD report. This significantly impacts the global ecosystem and highlights the importance of global leaders in developing comprehensive approaches to implementing sustainability policies and a circular economy.
Environmental technology is vital to the German economy, accounting for about 15 percent of the GDP in 2020, while the circular economy generated about €150 billion in revenue. The country is also a pioneer in recycling, with 65 percent of its municipal waste being recycled.
More than $184 billion: that's the revenue of the U.S. packaging industry in 2021, and it is expected to grow from year to year, offering significant market opportunities for the coming years.
The incoming delegation from Germany is excited to learn more about the technologies used in the U.S., exchange know-how with industry leaders, and build transatlantic partnerships.
California and Illinois stand out in the U.S. with comprehensive, ambitious sustainability goals, strict packaging regulations, and enormous investments in expanding the circular economy in the packaging industry. U.S. companies must adopt sustainable practices to meet the demands of a rapidly growing market.
The program offers the chance to network with leading German companies with expertise in sustainable packaging, recycling, and circular economy practices and explore international growth opportunities.
Meet and connect with our German delegates
Recovery and Recycling
- Artus Trade House
Sustainable solution provider and pioneer for the entire value chain of used textile collection, processing, trading, and recycling. They extract fibers from post-consumer goods and supply their partners with recycled, raw materials.
- PARTSLIFE
Environmental managers of the automotive industry. Always focusing on compliance with legal requirements, cost efficiency, and protection of the environment. Provides services in waste disposal, energy, work safety, and consultancy for stakeholders across Europe.
Reducing Waste through Marketplace & Sharing Platforms
- Recyda
Offers a holistic SaaS solution for packaging management. Analyses the recyclability of the entire packaging portfolio in one place and according to leading industry standards. Automatic calculation of EPR fees and plastic taxes for international markets.
Internal Innovation: No Wasted Opportunities
- Papier Sprick
Manufacturer of paper, corrugated board, and packaging systems designed for optimal shipping and transport protection. All products are sustainably produced in Germany according to certified environmental standards. The development of special individual machine solutions with customers is part of the portfolio as well.
- IIC AG
Leading supplier of individual food packaging in Europe. Specializes in the development of bespoke injection molded and thermoformed sustainable food packaging for all key sectors of the food industry.
- GKS
Specializes in packaging machinery used wherever food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or products from the household and chemical sectors have to be packed in flexible packaging, such as 4-sided-seal sachets, pillow bags (pouches), or stick packs.