This draft Decision not only marks a decisive step towards a circular economy, but also places the responsibility firmly with the producers. An urgent and necessary change, which is already attracting broad attention in industries, municipalities and healthcare institutions. It is the beginning of a transition that we can no longer postpone. Simon Frans de Vries, Value Chain Manager at Repaid, sees great opportunities.
A crucial step towards a circular economy
The draft EPR decision for diapers and incontinence products does more than just establish guidelines. It forces producers in the Netherlands to take responsibility for the waste they bring onto the market. Simply put: if you produce diapers, you must soon also ensure that they are collected and recycled. This way we can reduce carbon emissions, prevent waste incineration and recover valuable raw materials.
This is important because the impact is enormous. Recycling not only saves raw materials, but also prevents the emissions associated with the incineration of plastics. As Simon Frans de Vries says: "Our TDH technology saves around 900 kg of CO₂ per ton of diaper waste."
From waste to opportunities: Recycling 110 kilotons in five years
The numbers speak volumes. At present, the Netherlands has the capacity to recycle only 15 kilotons of diaper waste, while the waste mountain increases to 400 million kilos annually. With the introduction of the EPR this is set to change radically. The first target is to recycle 12.5% of products in all diaper waste. That may sound modest, but it means that 75 kilotons of diaper waste must be processed in three years. And in five years more than 110 kilotons.
How do we achieve this? Simon Frans: "The answer lies in scaling up recycling capacity. There are already enthusiastic parties ready to build larger new factories. If the permit procedures run smoothly, they could be operational within a few years. The process is technically feasible, and with close collaboration within the chain, the Netherlands can take a leading position in diaper recycling."
Why this is about more than diapers alone
This decision goes beyond the diaper itself. It is an example of how we can put the principles of a circular economy into practice. Every recycled diaper contributes to less waste, less carbon emissions and a reduced dependency on fossil fuels. "By recycling we not only save on incineration, but also on the import of oil from far-away countries," Simon Frans explains.
How does this affect you?
Whether you are a producer, healthcare provider or consumer, the introduction of the EPR affects us all. For families, this means that separating diaper waste really will have an effect. The process will be free of charge for municipalities, healthcare institutions and daycare centers. And for producers it will be an opportunity to take responsibility and embed sustainability into their core activities.
A challenge and an opportunity
Yes, there are challenges. Building new recycling plants takes time and resources. And the market must adapt to this new reality. But the benefits are too great to ignore. This is an opportunity to not only reduce waste, but to position the Netherlands as a leader in circular innovation.
Are you ready to be part of this transition? Let's build a future together in which waste is a thing of the past.
