Workshop: Rethinking the Future of Plastics

Sustainability Workshop 2022 – motan Group

How can we rethink our approach, our lives, our work with plastics? In December 2022, this contemporary and multifaceted topic was addressed by international students from various disciplines from Indian and German academic institutions. The digital workshop initiated by motan and the Indo-German Centre for Sustainability (IGCS), under the hashtag #sustainabilitychallenge, took place for the second time. The goal of this interdisciplinary format is also to identify young researchers and to stimulate research and collaborations in the field of plastics and circular economy. Presentations by international industry experts highlighted the complex challenges of plastic technology for the young scientists.

Over two days, the students selected for their academic and practical experience focused entirely on the topic of plastics and environmental protection. Three high-ranking lecturers from India and Germany deepened their insights into current issues and strategies through their keynote speeches. Prof. Ansgar Jaeger (TH Würzburg-Schweinfurt) evaluated established disposal systems in Germany and Europe, Dr. Alexander Kronimus (PlasticsEurope Germany) presented the aspects of "Circular Economy PLUS" necessary for a holistic and sustainable system change, Dr. Prasad Modak (Environmental Management Centre LLP) described the current situation and challenges in implementing a plastic circular economy in India, Prof. Indumathi M Nambi (Indian Institute of Technology Madras) focused on groundwater contamination, and Dr. Suryasarathi Bose (Indian Institute of Science Bangalore) explained how the new material class of vitrimer plays a key role in the circular economy.

Valuable practical insights were contributed by Jacqueline Plaster, project manager at everwave. The Aachen-based startup develops technologies to collect plastic waste from rivers to prevent it from entering the oceans. These include AI-powered waste collection boats and floating river platforms. Since late 2021, motan has been collaborating with everwave and funded, among other things, a conveyor belt for a waste sorting plant in Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital. everwave’s pursuit of long-term sustainability and environmental protection aligns perfectly with motan’s longstanding strategy to continuously develop its processes and products in a more sustainable way.

Finally, in small groups, the students worked together in intercultural exchange to develop creative approaches and innovative ideas on four topics: plastic waste management, circular economy, alternatives to single-use plastics, and macro- and microplastics in the environment. "By bridging different disciplines and practical experience, we achieve a holistic understanding that is crucial for sustainability," says Sandra Füllsack, CEO of the motan Group. "We benefit from the knowledge of the students and want to promote collaboration with them. With their innovative and sustainable ideas, young talents can shape the future." This is lived innovation.