A significant majority of German and French adults are against using imported waste in recycled plastic products, according to a survey by Stagwell’s The Harris Poll, which was commissioned by Eastman, a global specialty materials company. The survey was conducted online, in February of 2024 and included over 1,000 participants from each country.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key Findings of the Imported Plastic Waste Survey
- Environmental Impact: 64 % of German and 63 % of French respondents believe importing waste undermines the positive environmental impact of recycling due to the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
- Consumer Safety: Concerns about the safety and quality of products made from imported recycled materials were prevalent, with 55 % of Germans and 61 % of French accordingly to worry about potential health risks.
- Greenwashing: Over half of the respondents, specifically 59 % of Germans and 56 % of French, think that using imported waste is a form of greenwashing, where companies appear more environmentally friendly than they are.
Broader Context
These findings emerge at a time when Europe strives to boost its recycling efforts and plastic waste management, with the recent EU regulations restricted the export of plastic waste to non-OECD countries to promote domestic recycling and reduce environmental burdens on developing nations. This regulatory shift aims to ensure that Europe handles its waste more effectively and upholds the necessary environmental standards.
Implications
This opposition to the use of imported waste highlights the demand for greater transparency and sustainability in Europe’s recycling practices. European consumers are calling for more localized waste management solutions that genuinely reduce environmental impact without compromising product safety.
