How can a yogurt cup become circular? - Interview with Konrad Wasserbauer

Konrad Wasserbauer, Global Director Circular Economy & Sustainability at Greiner Packaging, and his team work every day to close material cycles. In this interview on global recycling, he explains what it takes to make a yogurt cup truly circular and what specific measures Greiner Packaging is taking.

How would you describe your job to someone who has never dealt with the topic of the circular economy?

Plastic is a valuable raw material and the best solution for packaging in many areas. But at the same time, we have to use this material very responsibly to protect the environment and conserve valuable resources. My work focuses on overcoming this challenge by collaborating with my team to close material cycles. This means that we look at the life cycle of plastic packaging from start to finish - from design to recycling. We start by designing the packaging in a way that it can be recycled more easily later. 

Another critical point is the processability of recycled materials under the strictest food regulations. This is because we must ensure that the packaging remains safe and functional. We also work in partnerships with other companies to find joint solutions that help us close the loop. In this way, we do not only contribute to sustainability but also ensure that our company actively makes a positive contribution to the circular economy.

What role does recycling or recycled material play in our move towards circular products?

Recycling is a principal component of Greiner Packaging's sustainability strategy and one of the most important levers on the path to a circular economy. Greiner Packaging's philosophy is based on three pillars: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Recycling is not an isolated option but complements measures to reduce the use of materials and promote reusable solutions. Recycling ensures that plastic packaging does not end up as waste and remains a valuable resource. With our own recycling plant in Serbia, we secure high-quality recyclates for our products and help to reduce the use of virgin plastic. At the same time, we invest in research and development to improve recycling technologies and further increase the proportion of recycled materials.

Can you give us a specific example or project that shows how we can succeed in becoming a circular company?

Greiner Packaging is implementing many projects to drive forward the transition to a circular economy. With our own recycling plant in Serbia, as mentioned above, we are actively helping to close the material loop. By developing reusable packaging such as the "Mix & Match Mealbox" for the food service industry, we are creating alternatives to disposable packaging. These products can be used several times and are recyclable at the end of their life cycle.

Another notable example is the coffee capsule recycling project with ARA. The aim of the project is to efficiently collect and sort used plastic capsules and return them to the recycling cycle. The expansion of the recycling infrastructure and targeted measures to raise awareness among consumers will ensure that the capsules do not end up in residual waste but can be reused as a valuable resource. This project is a major step towards a circular economy and shows how sustainable packaging solutions can be realized through cooperation with partners.

Thank you very much for these valuable insights into the circular economy, Konrad!