The Material: What Should Be Said About Plastic

What is often misunderstood in today’s public discussion about plastics?

People often equate plastics with waste. That is far too simplistic. First and foremost, plastics are lightweight, versatile, and resource-efficient materials. Waste is only created at the end of a product’s life cycle if collection and recycling systems fail. This distinction is crucial: In medicine it protects lives, in automotive construction it saves weight and in food supply it prevents waste.

Where do you see the greatest opportunities of plastic for sustainability and resource conservation?

The greatest potential lies in material efficiency and circularity. Plastics make extremely lightweight packaging possible and reduce transport emissions. In electric vehicles, they enable battery technology and thermal management, while in healthcare they ensure sterile supplies on a large scale. When product design, collection, and recycling work together, plastics become the ideal material for a sustainable future.

Which aspect of modern plastics fascinates you the most?

I am fascinated by the enormous innovative power. Modern plastics are becoming increasingly powerful and functional. They enable solutions that would be heavier or significantly more energy-consuming with other materials. This enormous range from everyday life to cutting-edge technology makes it one of the most versatile materials of our time.

When you look at the current debate about plastics: What is often underestimated about it?

The complexity of material decisions is underestimated. It is not enough to judge emotionally. One must consider the entire life cycle, from raw material use to product protection to disposal. It is also overlooked how strongly plastics secure our modern quality of life.

The Outlook: How Perspectives Can Change

What role will plastics play in a society where sustainability, resource use, and material awareness are being reassessed?

Plastics will continue to play a central role, but expectations will increase. They will be used even more intelligently in the future. Especially in a sustainable society, we need materials that are lightweight, hygienic, safe, affordable, and recyclable. When used purposefully and where they provide real value, plastics deliver exactly these benefits.

What determines which perspectives on plastics prevail in the public debate?

Trust, transparency, and clarity are decisive. Credible perspectives are based on understandable facts. Industry and science must openly explain what works, where the challenges lie, and what solutions are available. We need to make the positive contributions of plastics visible through real-world examples from everyday life.

Plastic waste is increasingly being viewed as a valuable resource. What contribution can the industry and PiFA make to accelerate this shift in perception?

The industry must demonstrate that plastics are not waste after use but valuable raw materials for new products. This requires circular product design, effective collection systems, and investment in recycling. PiFA helps accelerate this shift in thinking by sharing best practices and encouraging dialogue. Plastics have value before, during, and after their use.

What needs to change so that plastics are increasingly seen as part of the solution in the future?

We need to demonstrate the real contribution that plastics make while also speaking honestly about the challenges. Anyone who sees plastics only as a problem overlooks their key role in climate protection. If we consistently implement the circular economy and strengthen fact-based education, plastics will naturally come to be recognized as part of the solution.

The interview was conducted by Claudia Wörner, Managing Director of yes or no Media GmbH.