On May 17th, representatives from Natureef member companies embarked on a study visit to the Lusatian Recycling Center (Łużyckie Centrum Recyklingu) in Marszów.
The visitors were given a comprehensive tour of the entire facility by Mr. Michał Szczotka, the Installation Manager. This provided an up-close look at the processes involved in treating packaging waste and an opportunity to understand the challenges associated with its sorting and recycling.
The study visit also served as an excellent platform for networking and discussion. Participants had the chance to speak directly with the President of the Center, Mr. Jacek Połomka, who shared his extensive knowledge and valuable insights into practical measures that support environmental protection.
– The visit to the Lusatian Recycling Center left a strong impression on us – both in terms of the installation’s scale and the precision of the waste selection process. It was particularly impressive to see that plastics like PET and PE can be effectively separated from mixed waste, and that preparing PE recyclate is not an issue – the greater challenge lies in its sale, partly due to price and odor. The meeting provided us with a substantial amount of knowledge and inspiration, which will undoubtedly influence our approach to packaging design. We view this visit very positively and are grateful for the professional reception and the President’s open approach.
Damian Jarzębowski, CDM Packaging
– For Tedmark, as a partner to large, corporate clients to whom we supply a wide range of takeaway food packaging solutions, this visit was highly beneficial. With great interest, we learned about the various stages of the sorting process, which gives us an even broader perspective on the lifecycle of the packaging we provide. We share the sentiment of ŁCR President Jacek Połomka – we must initiate dialogue across the entire value chain: from producers, distributors, and clients, through to sorting facilities and recyclers. Only by working together can we achieve mutual understanding and develop new solutions.
Dorota Ostrowska, TEDMARK
– The visit allowed us to realistically assess where the most significant challenges lie in the implementation of a circular economy. We were impressed by the highly efficient system for sorting different fractions of post-consumer waste. However, we also observed the absence of a crucial subsequent link – a processor capable of handling specific waste streams, particularly plastics, and preparing them for reuse. As packaging manufacturers, gaining the perspective of a sorting facility has shown us how we can further improve our packaging designs.
Małgorzta Szymczukiewicz, KB Folie Polska
The following member companies participated in the study visit: Pak Toruń, EMSUR, CDM Packaging, KB Folie, FAMAG, PAW, Milano Group, and TEDMARK.
