Yesterday afternoon, the Silmisa team had the honor of attending the “Infinitely Recyclable 2” congress organized by IBIAE in the charming town of Onil. The event brought together experts, companies, and industry leaders to explore key issues related to recycling and sustainability. Throughout the day, valuable ideas were shared that promise to change the way we see and use plastic.
“You’re practicing a circular economy and you don’t even know it.”
IBIAE
Plastic: An Essential and Versatile Material
One of the key points discussed at the conference was the importance of plastic in our lives. It was emphasized that plastic is an essential material that plays a vital role in various applications, including medical ones. Its versatility and durability make it an essential part of our modern world.
Circular Economy: New Opportunities and Synergies
The concept of a circular economy was presented as a promising solution to address the challenges of plastic waste. It was emphasized that the circular economy offers new opportunities and synergies between businesses, encouraging the reuse and recycling of materials instead of discarding them. In this way, waste can become a resource and an expense can become a benefit.
Principles of the Circular Economy in Action
During the congress, inspiring testimonials were shared from companies that are successfully applying circular economy principles to their operations. These practical examples demonstrated that it is possible to achieve a positive impact on sustainability through innovation and collaboration. Participating companies included Pohuer, Pepri, Excellent Cork, Actiu, and The Recirculars.
The Three Elements of Material Sustainability
Science communicator Deborah García offered valuable insights into what it takes for a material to be truly sustainable. She highlighted three key elements: sustainability-focused design, post-use management of the material, and the material’s overall perception in society—in other words, its marketing and public opinion.
“All materials can be sustainable”
Deborah Garcia Bello
Differences between Bioplastic, Biodegradable and Compostable
Deborah García also shed light on the much-debated topic of alternatives to plastic. She explained the differences between bioplastics, biodegradable plastics, and compostable plastics, highlighting the importance of understanding the specifics of each option to make informed decisions on the path to a more sustainable future. We learned that bioplastics are those made from raw materials such as sugarcane. However, they have the same properties as generic plastic and should be disposed of in the yellow recycling bin. On the other hand, biodegradable and compostable plastics, which can be turned into compost through an industrial process, should be disposed of in the organic waste bin. The difference between them lies in the time it takes for them to decompose.
The “Infinitely Recyclable 2” congress provided a valuable platform for discussion and collaboration around sustainability and recycling. At Silmisa, we are committed to innovation and sustainability, and this experience has further strengthened our determination to play an active role in creating a cleaner, greener world.
We thank IBIAE for organizing this inspiring event and all the participants for sharing their knowledge and experiences! Together, we are paving the way to a more sustainable future.
