Launch of the Initiative natürliche Kreislaufwirtschaft e.V. (INAK)

The Initiative natürliche Kreislaufwirtschaft e.V. (INAK, engl: Initiative for Natural Circular Economy) is an association of companies, certifiers, and waste management organisations, originating from the former association for compostable products, Verbund kompostierbare Produkte e.V. The aim of INAK is to develop sustainable and circular product solutions while reducing environmental pollution caused by microplastics. The focus is on the use of biodegradable and compostable plastics in specific applications.

“In the past 10 years, we have achieved a lot as the Verbund kompostierbare Produkte e.V., especially in establishing certified compostable bio-waste collection bags for clean, separate collection of organic waste in households,” said Peter Brunk, chairman of the association, adding, “As INAK, we now aim to broaden our focus to the overall role of biodegradable and compostable plastics in creating a true circular economy. In this model, valuable resources are not lost as waste but, following nature’s example, are returned to the biological cycle.”

Practical Applications for Biodegradable Plastics

Many plastic products can and should be recycled to keep raw materials in circulation for as long as possible. However, there are specific applications where material recycling is not feasible, either because they are intended to remain in nature (e.g., in agriculture, forestry, and horticulture), or enter the environment through abrasion or via other waste streams (e.g., compost). In these cases, biodegradable and compostable materials can make a significant contribution to preventing microplastic pollution. The BioSinn study by the renowned nova-Institute explored the potential of biodegradable materials and identified several practical application areas, including mulch films, binding twines, protective guards, plant fastening clips, films for controlled fertilizer release, broom bristles, and more.¹

Innovations for a Sustainable Future

Germany’s biotechnology sector holds enormous potential due to its scientific excellence and numerous established companies and startups that are investing substantial resources in the research, development, and production of bio-based, compostable, and biodegradable products.

“What we lack are legal frameworks that encourage new technologies and establish them in the market. This is especially crucial in light of the significant transformation tasks to protect the climate, environment, and resources. As INAK, we want to contribute to a constructive dialogue and work together with science, industry, and politics to determine suitable applications for biodegradable plastics,” said Carmen Michels, INAK board member, who will take over the chairmanship of the association from Peter Brunk following the INAK General Assembly on October 11, 2024.

Notable and innovative companies involved in INAK include: Agrana Stärke GmbH, BASF SE, BIO-FED Zweigniederlassung der AKRO-PLASTIC GmbH, BIOTEC Biologische Naturverpackungen GmbH & Co KG, Cofresco Frischhalteprodukte GmbH & Co KG, FKuR Kunststoff GmbH, DIN CERTCO Gesellschaft für Konformitätsbewertung mbH, Interzero Recycling Alliance GmbH, Kaneka Belgium, Mitsubishi Chemical GmbH Europe, Mondi Engineered Materials GmbH, NATURABIOMAT GmbH, Novamont S.p.A., pely-plastics GmbH & Co KG, Profectus Films GmbH, SPhere Germany GmbH, TÜV Austria Deutschland GmbH.

About the Initiative for Natural Circular Economy e.V. (INAK)

INAK is an association of companies advocating for the use of biodegradable and compostable materials in practical applications to avoid microplastic pollution and maintain natural resources within the circular economy. Our member companies from Germany, as well as European countries such as France, Italy, and Austria, represent the entire value chain—from raw material production to end products, including certification bodies and waste management service providers.

¹_{Verena Bauchmüller, Michael Carus, Raj Chinthapalli, Lara Dammer, Nicolas Hark, Asta Partanen, Pauline Ruiz (all from nova-Institute), Silvia Lajewski (IKT Stuttgart) (2021): BioSinn – Steckbriefe sinnvoll biologisch abbaubarer Produkte auf Basis von nachwachsenden Rohstoffen, April 2021, https://renewable-carbon.eu/publications/product/biosinn-steckbriefe-sinnvoll-biologisch-abbaubarer-produkte-auf-basis-von-nachwachsenden-rohstoffen/}