discussion papers & status papers

Statuspapier Mikroplastik-Analytik

hannes.schritt@ecologic.eu — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 13:22:16 +0000

Analysis of Microplastics - Sampling, preparation and detection methods hannes.schritt… Mon, 06/28/2021 - 15:22

Untertitel

Status Report

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Beschreibung

This status report was prepared within the framework of the cross-cutting topic 1 "Analytics and reference materials" of the research focus. It summarizes the contents of the project discussions and coordination within the cross-cutting issue. The organization of this ongoing process of development or elaboration has been supported by several events.

The status report presents a summary of the physicochemical methods for the analysis of MP used in the research focus "Plastics in the Environment". The present recommendations are based on the current state of knowledge of the analysis of MP and are directed at actors in science as well as potential users in practice.

Scientists from the following collaborative projects of the research focus participated in the preparation of the status report via workshops, contributions and feedback loops: EmiStop, ENSURE, MicBin, MicroCatch_Balt, MikroPlaTaS, PLASTRAT, PLAWES, RAU, REPLAWA, RUSEKU, SubμTrack and TextileMission as well as the two predecessor projects MiWa and BASEMAN.

Further Links

Link to Status Report

Year

2020

Type of Result

discussion papers & status papers

Citation

Braun, Ulrike & Stein, Ulf & Schritt, Hannes & Altmann, Korinna & Bannick, Claus & Becker, Roland & Bitter, Hajo & Bochow, Mathias & Dierkes, Georg & Enders, Kristina & Eslahian, Kyriakos & Fischer, Dieter & Földi, Corinna & Fuchs, Monika & Gerdts, Gunnar & Hagendorf, Christian & Heller, Claudia & Ivleva, Natalia & Jekel, Martin & Kerpen, Jutta & Klaeger, Fraziska & Knoop, Oliver & Labrenz, Matthias & Laforsch, Christian & Obermaier, Nathan & Primpke, Sebastian & Reiber, Jens & Richter, Susanne & Ricking, Mathias & Scholz-Böttcher, Barbara & Stock, Friederike & Wagner, Stephan & Wendt-Potthoff, Katrin & Zumbülte, Nicole (2021): Analysis of Microplastics - Sampling, preparation and detection methods. Status Report within the framework program Plastics in the Environment.

Tags

Sewage

Analytics

Sampling

Soil

Raman microspectroscopy

Publikationstyp

QST1: Vergleichsversuch

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 09:52:50 +0000

Cross-Cutting Topic 1: Analytics and Reference Materials: Comparative test janna.vakili@e… Fri, 02/12/2021 - 10:52

Untertitel

Results

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Beschreibung

This comparative test from cross-cutting topic 1 "Analytics and reference materials" classifies different analytical methods for the identification and quantification of microplastics regarding their informative value and to work out the strengths and limitations of the respective methods. The comparative test was intended to provide the pre-requisites for comparing the analytical results of the individual projects within a given framework. No evaluation of the different analytical methods is intended.

Both thermoanalytical and spectroscopic methods were used. It was shown that the different analytical methods for the identification and quantification of microplastics provide comparable results within the respective procedures.

The results of the comparative test are available here as a PDF download.

Attachments

Cross-Cutting Topic 1: Analytics and Reference Materials: Comparative test

Year

2021

Author

Authors

PD Dr. Natalia Ivleva

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Heinz Sturm

Cordula Witzig

Dr. Nicole Zumbülte

Type of Result

discussion papers & status papers

Tags

Methodology of analyses

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Polymer

Polymer analysis

Raman microspectroscopy

Publikationstyp

Plastik in der Umwelt: Sozialwissenschaftliche Perspektiven

linda.mederake@ecologic.eu — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 14:22:18 +0000

Plastik in der Umwelt: Sozialwissenschaftliche Perspektiven linda.mederake… Tue, 03/24/2020 - 15:22

Untertitel

Discussion paper of the Cross-Cutting Topic 4 "Social and Political Dimension of Plastics in the Environment"

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Beschreibung

Plastic is a material of immense social importance and presence. It is therefore necessary to not only consider technical solutions in order to develop plastic reduction strategies, but also involve the social dimension.

In this discussion paper, the social dimensions of plastics in the environment are examined from various perspectives and disciplines, making them more tangible for researchers as well as for stakeholders in politics, media and industry. The paper thus serves as a basis for inter- and transdisciplinary cooperation in the development of plastic reduction strategies.

The authors point out the challenges that arise in regard of the diverse fields of application and the international circulation of plastics. They emphasize that there is a need for action, especially for stakeholders from industry, politics and society. Furthermore, solution strategies should take into account the entire life cycle of plastics and not only address late stages.

These and other findings can be found in the discussion paper, which is available for download [PDF] in German.

Attachments

Discussion paper of the Cross-Cutting Topic 4 "Social and Political Dimension of Plastics in the Environment" [PDF, German]

Further Links

Cross-Cutting Topic 4: Social and Political Dimension of Plastics in the Enviro…

Year

2020

Type of Result

discussion papers & status papers

Tags

Social sciences

Strategy on plastics

Prevention of plastics

Publikationstyp

Querschnittsthema

Vermeidung von Kunststoffeinträgen in die Umwelt durch Verpackungen

linda.mederake@ecologic.eu — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 15:10:35 +0000

Avoiding plastic packaging from entering the environment linda.mederake… Tue, 02/04/2020 - 16:10

Untertitel

A impulse paper on steering options of German municipalities

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Beschreibung

Although the serious consequences of plastic discharges into the environment for marine and terrestrial ecosystems and for human health have become widely known in recent years, the production, consumption and (improper) disposal of plastic packaging continues to increase. Local decision-makers in particular have the influence to set direct impulses to limit and avoid the accumulation of plastic packaging waste in municipalities. This policy paper shows municipal policy options for enabling and supporting companies and consumers to reduce and avoid plastic packaging. Core elements in the support of companies are various offers and activities for the establishment of a low-packaging product range and for the expansion of reusable systems. These include advising regionally based companies (individually or collectively), supporting self-regulation, awarding best practice examples, financial incentives and public relations work. In order to support consumers, a distinction is made between large-scale consumers, private households and kindergartens and schools. Large-scale consumers can exert an influence on the use of plastic packaging, particularly in their administration and at public events. Sustainable procurement as well as reusable system imperatives and single-use bans can make a clear difference here. Private consumers can be encouraged to become more aware of plastic packaging and guided to behavior change through improved infrastructure and public relations work. In addition, day-care centres and schools can bear the potential to draw attention to the problem at an early stage, e.g. through participatory activities, teaching sessions and excursions. This paper gives an overview of the current theoretical and practical state of municipal policy options and will be further developed in the course of the "Innoredux" project.

Further Links

Download Impulse Paper (in German)

Joint project

Innoredux

Year

2020

Author

Authors

Frieder Rubik

Pauline Riousset

Type of Result

discussion papers & status papers

Citation

Riousset, Pauline; Rubik, Frieder (2020): Vermeidung von Kunststoffeinträgen in die Umwelt durch Verpackungen: Ein Impulspapier zu Steuerungsmöglichkeiten deutscher Kommunen, Work report of the research project Innoredux. Berlin.

Tags

Publikationstyp

Querschnittsthema

Verpackungsaufkommen und regulative Rahmenbedingungen

linda.mederake@ecologic.eu — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 14:41:38 +0000

Packaging volume and regulatory framework linda.mederake… Tue, 02/04/2020 - 15:41

Untertitel

background paper

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Beschreibung

This background paper was developed within the framework of the Innoredux joint research project and describes which materials shape the volume of packaging and packaging waste in Germany. Moreover, the paper outlines the most important German and European legal regulations relating to packaging in the context of the project. In addition, a glossary has been compiled to explain and define important terms.

The analysis of the packaging volume shows that not only plastic packaging, but also packaging made of paper, cardboard and paperboard has been subject to a continuous increase in consumption over the last 15 years. In terms of volume, this trend is even more pronounced for paper, cardboard and paperboard than for plastic packaging. For this reason, both material groups are in the focus of Innoredux.

Further Links

Download background paper (in German)

Joint project

Innoredux

Year

2020

Author

Andreas Detzel

Type of Result

discussion papers & status papers

Citation

Detzel, A. unter Mitarbeit von Rubik, F., Bick, C., Schmidt, S., Kitzberger, M., Holewik, C. (2020): Verpackungsaufkommen und regulative Rahmenbedingungen, background paper of the joint research project Innoredux.

Tags

Publikationstyp

Querschnittsthema

The Transnational Governance of Plastics

Stephan.Guertler — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 08:52:49 +0000

The Transnational Governance of Plastics Stephan.Guertler Mon, 11/18/2019 - 09:52

Untertitel

Actors, Structures and Processes

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Beschreibung

This paper by the joint research project REPLAWA analyzes actors, structures, and processes of the transnational Governance of Plastics.

The authors work out the complexity of the problems in connection with plastics and its transnational governance, present the actors and contexts of current governance efforts and examine the various processes of current cooperation and conflicts.

The process of governing plastics assembles varied groups of actors, states, business, and civil society, each of them with different, partially contrary interests and moral points of view. At the same time, plastics are embedded in a multitude of contexts and structures: Political, legal, organizational, economic and technological contexts bring forward a wide array of not only environmentally framed questions, ranging from pollution to renewable materials and overconsumption. Therefore, chances for cooperation, but also conflict or contestation multiply.

The paper "The Transnational Governance of Plastics - Actors, Structures and Processes" [pdf, 0.5 MB] is available for download in English.

Attachments

The Transnational Governance of Plastics [pdf, 0.5 MB, English]

Further Links

REPLAWA-Projektseite

Joint project

REPLAWA

Year

2019

Author

Anja Jakobi (Technische Universität Braunschweig)

Bastian Loges (Technische Universität Braunschweig)

Denise Päthe (Technische Universität Braunschweig)

Type of Result

discussion papers & status papers

Citation

Jakobi, Anja, Bastian Loges and Denise Päthe. 2019. The Transnational Governance of Plastics. Actors, Structures and Processes. Braunschweig.

Tags

Publikationstyp

Querschnittsthema

Diskussionspapier: Plastikverpackungen in der Lebensmittelindustrie

KALEH — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 13:20:58 +0000

Discussion Paper: Plastic packaging in the food industry KALEH Tue, 11/05/2019 - 14:20

Untertitel

An analysis from the perspective of consumers, industry and trade.

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Beschreibung

When buying food, more and more consumers want to avoid plastic packaging. However, it is often difficult to actually shop without plastic packaging. Many times there is a lack of alternatives or knowledge about which packaging is the most ecological. In addition, many would have to completely change their shopping behavior and, e.g., shop more frequently, because unpacked fresh goods are not that durable. This is often incompatible with everyday life.

For some foods, regional and seasonal products can be used as alternatives. This avoids long transport distances and thus large quantities of packaging. Yet, only a small group of products can be produced within the region and the consumption of seasonal products also implies that only a smaller range of fruits and vegetables is available in winter. In addition, the ratio of product to packaging can be optimized. Instead of opting for many individually packaged products, buying a larger unit is preferable. However, one should make sure that the food does not spoil prematurely.

The correct disposal of plastic waste is also a challenge for consumers. Many people do not know how to dispose of their waste properly. Badly sorted garbage cannot be recycled adequately. One problem, for instance, is packaging made of different materials or mixed plastics. These plastics are very difficult and costly to separate and recycle.

These and other findings are the result of the research carried out within the project VerPlaPoS. The findings on food packaging gained so far were compiled by the responsible project partners in a discussion paper (in German).

Attachments

Discussion Paper: Plastic packaging in the food industry (in German)

Further Links

VerPlaPoS-Projektwebsite

Joint project

VerPlaPoS

Year

2019

Author

Thomas Decker

Maria Lippl

Klaus Menrad

Tabea Habermehl

Hannes Krieg

Friederike Schlegl

Sven Sängerlaub

Klaus-Dieter Bauer

Type of Result

discussion papers & status papers

Citation

Decker, Thomas; Lippl, Maria; Menrad, Klaus; Habermehl, Tabea; Krieg, Hannes; Schlegl, Friederike; Sängerlaub, Sven; Bauer, Klaus-Dieter (2019): Plastikverpackungen in der Lebensmittelindustrie: Eine Analyse aus Sicht von VerbraucherInnen, Industrie und Handel. Straubing.

Tags

Consumption

Consumer behaviour

Reduction of plastic use

Food

Food packaging

Prevention of plastics

Publikationstyp

Ergebnis

Publikation

Querschnittsthema

QST 4

Diskussionspapier: Plastikverpackungen in der textilen Lieferkette

linda.mederake@ecologic.eu — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 08:24:26 +0000

Discussion paper: Plastic packaging in the supply chain for textiles linda.mederake… Wed, 07/17/2019 - 10:24

Untertitel

An analysis from the consumer, industry and trade perspective

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Beschreibung

This discussion paper presents the first findings of the joint research project VerPlaPoS on packaging in the textile industry and its supply chain.

The paper focuses on the role of consumers as well as industry and trade in reducing plastic packaging in the textile industry. The entire textile supply chain is considered and in this context the possibilities to influence the amount of packaging are examined by actor group as well as the limits that different actors face. The preliminary results show that consumers can only have a limited influence on the reduction of plastic waste along the textile supply chain through their demand and sustainable purchasing behaviour as well as through the proper disposal of plastic waste. Industry and trade, on the other hand, could significantly influence the volume of plastic packaging through better coordination between upstream and downstream players along the supply chain, through the use of alternative plastics and reusable packaging, or through their own product design. Studies along the supply chain reveal that consumers, trade and industry have had only limited influence on the reduction of plastic waste until now. The findings represent the current state of research and will be expanded, validated and published together with various practical partners in the further course of the project. The results serve as a basis for continued research in the joint research project.

Attachments

Discussion paper: Plastic packaging in the supply chain for textiles (in German)

Joint project

VerPlaPoS

Year

2019

Author

Britta Frommeyer

Julia Koch

Kristina von Gehlen

Philipp Schmitt

Gerhard Schewe

Tabea Habermehl

Maria Lippl

Thomas Decker

Manuel Lorenz

Type of Result

discussion papers & status papers

Citation

Frommeyer, Britta; Koch, Julia; von Gehlen, Kristina; Schmitt, Philipp; Schewe, Gerhard; Habermehl, Tabea; Lippl, Maria; Decker, Thomas; Lorenz, Manuel (2019): Plastikverpackungen in der textilen Lieferkette: Eine Analyse aus Sicht von VerbraucherInnen, Industrie und Handel. Straubing.

Tags

Textiles

Packaging

Reduction of plastic use

Publikationstyp

Diskussionspapier Mikroplastik-Analytik

hannes.schritt@ecologic.eu — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 13:03:04 +0000

Discussion Paper: Microplastics Analytics hannes.schritt… Thu, 10/18/2018 - 15:03

Untertitel

Sampling, Preparation and Detection Methods

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Beschreibung

The discussion paper was developed based on the state of the art and the discussions in the research focus "Plastics in the Environment – Sources • Sinks • Solutions" with the aim of collectiong the physicochemical investigation methods used in the research focus, in particular for the analysis of microplastics. In order to achieve this goal, methods and analytical apporaches were discussed across the joint research projects in order to achieve validated methods and comparable results in the various projects for each specific question. The discussion paper, which is now available for download, reflects the current state the debate within the research focus and is intended to contribute to a pool of methods that is as standardised as possible for the relevant application fields in science, industry and administration.

This first version was published in October 2018. The discussion paper will be updated annually in the course of the research focus.

Attachments

Discussion Paper Mikroplastics Analytics Nov 2018.pdf

Year

2018

Type of Result

discussion papers & status papers

Tags

Analytics

Methods development

Methodology of analyses

Method validation