Based on own Prognos analyses the article shows the so far achieved recovery rates for selected waste streams within the 27 EU member states as well as the still existing resource potential - a potential that can also contribute significantly to climate protection. Looking back from the future the article describes the major challenges of our time and for our future and develops visions for a global resource management system.

Apparently, recycling worn out PVC windows and doors pays off - at least for Veka Umwelttechnik GmbH. The eastern German company recently put its second recycling line into operation and is considered a specialist in the window recycling industry.

Identifying the moment at which waste ceases to be waste and once again acquires the status of a product is far from being a merely theoretical question. From a legal point of view, significant consequences can ensue from the qualification of a substance or object in relation to the applicable legislation for its management and treatment. An incorrect evaluation of the applicable legislation can lead not only to consequences of an administrative but also of a criminal nature. The consequences may also be significant from an economic perspective. The holder of a substance or object, which does not qualify as a product but as waste, must withstand all the negative consequences deriving from the fact that, compared to a product, waste is much less attractive to the market.

A research effort was undertaken to produce secondary value-added products (dimethacrylated oligoesters) from the products of PET chemical recycling by glycolysis. The final objective was to use these compounds, as potential raw materials for the production of UV-curable formulations, used as enamel paints or coatings for metallic surfaces in automotive industry.

Initially, different plastic packaging materials from super-market consumer products were recorded and classified according to the particular polymer type from which they are made of. Following, a questionnaire was formed and data were collected from a number of citizens in Thessaloniki during the time period 2007 to 2008. It was found that the plastic packaging with the highest consumption in a number or weight basis is general purpose bags followed by water and soft drinks bottles.

A type of biofuels with a wide known use and a significant number of applications, are the biomass pellets of wooden form, known as wood pellets. The market of wood pellets in Greece has not been developed yet.

The effectiveness of polymer addition to the aeration tank effluent prior to sludge flotation as practiced in a slaughterhouse wastewater treatment plant.

The environmental quality of composting means both the capacity to produce composts of high environmental and agronomic quality, and no health or environmental impact of the process.

The production of organic wastes is growing world-wide, while agricultural soils are witnessing a progressive reduction in their organic content.

As a result of intensive sponsorship and both scientific and commercial research efforts, biologically degradable polymers (BDP) have been developed in the last few years to be ready for practical utilisation. The application of BDP for packaging purposes was considered to be the most practical area for their use.