Here’s a wrap-up of the discussions that took place in each of the workstreams in Q1 2023: 

WS1 – Calculation Methods

This quarter saw significant progress with respect to kick-starting the process to develop harmonised PCF calculation methodology and tool. As part of the collaboration between Afera, IVK, and Sphera, the first of the four planned workshops, was held online in June. More than 165 participants from 90+ companies and organizations within the adhesives and adhesive tapes industry attended the introductory webinar. During the online session, the objectives, concept, calculation bases, industry standards, and basics of the online tool were presented to all Members of both associations. The online session spanned 2 hours and included a detailed Q&A session.

After the summer, 3 face-to-face workshops will be held in Düsseldorf, which will focus on scoping and detailing the specific implementation of the PCF calculation tool according to the needs of the industry. The tool, aimed at Tape Manufacturers, is expected to be ready early next year.  The common goal is to ensure that Member Companies are soon able to determine PCF values for adhesives and tapes in a straightforward, harmonised, affordable manner. 

In the next quarter, the workstream will also evaluate the next steps to be taken regarding Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), and Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) calculations for tapes.    

WS2 – Waste Management

Having curated a database of waste collectors and recyclers, the workstream participants are currently conducting interviews with shortlisted collectors and recyclers. The aim is to gather information regarding current practices (type and volume of waste collected, pre-requisites for acceptance of waste material, geographical regions covered, etc.) and assess compatibility with waste generated by tape manufacturers and converters. 

In the next quarter, the workstream plans to contact tape converters, end-users, and third-party waste management platforms to tackle the issue of fragmented availability of tape waste. In addition, WS2 is also looking to explore advanced recycling technologies for other tape waste. 

WS3 – Advocacy

While the legislative developments (PPWR, PFAS restriction, Green Claims Directive, etc.) are being evaluated in detail by the Regulatory Affairs Working Group, WS3 continues to monitor their impact and anticipate the preparation of guidelines for Afera members. 

Following recent discussions, WS3 is focusing on preparing guidance documents on the impact of Spanish Plastic Packaging Tax and the UK Plastic Packaging Tax. In addition, the following documents are under development: 
(1) ‘Design for recycling’ (DfR) guidelines for packaging tapes, aimed at tape manufacturers and converters. 
(2) Sustainable use of tapes in packaging applications, aimed at brand owners, end-users, tape manufacturers, and converters
(3) Position paper on Mass Balance Approach
  

We have recently managed to kick-off the development of a PCF tool with our external consultant, agree on an Afera position on the colour of paper release liner, give feedback to EU legislators on the PPWR and develop a guidance on ISCC Plus certified products. We look forward to our hybrid AFSP General Meeting on 3 October, where our three workstreams will jointly share their progress, reflect on bottlenecks and collectively plan future work for the next year.

If you would also like to participate in the AFSP Workstreams, please register your interest with us.

For any further questions, contact us at: AFSP@afera.com