The PAMIRA® take-back system for plant protection and liquid fertiliser packaging achieves impressive results: In 2023 alone, 3,140 tons of containers were collected, leading to a CO₂ saving of 3,061 tons – equivalent to the CO₂ absorption of 220,596 trees. Through the material recycling of agricultural plastics collected via PAMIRA®, the recycled material can be used in new products, replacing the need for virgin materials. A common example is drip tapes for agriculture. A calculation shows that the material collected and recycled since the launch of the take-back system nearly 30 years ago could be used to produce drip tapes that would circle the Earth 188 times – a remarkable testament to high sustainability and resource conservation.
The past year was a highlight for the PAMIRA® system. Thanks to the commitment of agricultural businesses, 3,140 tons of packaging were collected and recycled. The environmental impact is clear:
*Based on calculations by the Fraunhofer UMSICHT Institute (2023)
Since the launch of the PAMIRA® system in 1996, a total of 64,002 tons of plastic packaging have been collected and recycled through 2023. This amount corresponds to a plastic weight of 64 billion grams. A drip tape, used for agricultural irrigation, weighs 8.5 grams per meter. The plastic collected through PAMIRA® could therefore be used to produce drip tapes with a total length of 7,529,647 kilometers. This would be enough to circle the Earth along its equator 188 times – an impressive result that highlights the value of recycling in the agricultural sector in tangible figures.
The drip tapes that could be produced from the recycled material symbolize the sustainable use of resources. They not only save water through precise irrigation but also demonstrate how recycled material can be effectively utilized in agriculture.
The PAMIRA® system shows that the take-back and recycling of used plastic containers can mean more than just waste avoidance. It creates real added value for the environment, climate, and agricultural businesses.
This success is driven by the joint commitment of agricultural businesses, collection points, and the system operators. Agricultural businesses voluntarily bring their empty containers to the approximately 400 PAMIRA® collection points nationwide. The return is free of charge. PAMIRA® ensures environmentally responsible recycling. The recycled plastic is fully returned to the raw material cycle.
PAMIRA® is a registered trademark of the Industrieverband Agrar e. V. (IVA). RIGK is responsible for conducting the collections and recycling the collected packaging.