bifa contributes expertise to Bavaria's recycling management strategy
Participation in stakeholder dialogues provides impetus for specific projects to conserve resources in Bavaria
On 23 July 2024, the Bavarian State Government approved the development of a Bavarian Circular Economy Strategy (BayKWS) – a significant step towards a sustainable and resource-efficient economic system in the Free State.
The aim of the strategy is to provide clear guidance for companies, promote resource efficiency and lay the foundations for a sustainable economy. The strategy process is being coordinated by the Bavarian Resource Efficiency Centre (REZ).
The bifa Environmental Institute is closely involved in the development of the BayKWS. As an independent scientific institution with many years of expertise in resource efficiency, material flow analyses and sustainable transformation, bifa was invited to all stakeholder dialogues that took place in various key sectors at the beginning of 2025. The focus was on the six central fields of action: mobility, metals & mechanical engineering, construction & infrastructure, electrical engineering & ICT, plastics & packaging, textiles & clothing, and organic raw materials/biomass.
During the dialogue events, representatives from industry, science and associations identified specific challenges and discussed possible solutions and measures to be incorporated into the BayKWS.
The participation of the bifa Environmental Institute proved to be particularly effective in this regard.
In addition to the exchange of expertise, valuable contacts were made and initial project ideas were initiated. In the ‘Textiles & Clothing’ sector, for example, the cooperation partners TH Augsburg, Recycling Atelier Augsburg and the Bavarian Ministry of the Environment (StMUV) jointly developed ideas and concrete approaches for new measures to improve the recycling of textiles and to support existing measures.
A further outcome result of the process is the establishment of a collaborative relationship with BayPapier in the field of ‘Plastics & Packaging’. The Association of the Bavarian Paper, Cardboard and Plastics Processing Industry and the Association of Bavarian Paper Mills operate under the umbrella name BayPapier. Collectively, they are dedicated to regional industrial production and the provision of sustainable, resource-saving paper and packaging products.
The collaboration with BayPapier focuses on identification of challenges and the formulation of specific measures and recommendations for action to ensure the long-term recycling of paper materials. This will enhance both the practical and regulatory aspects.
bifa contributes to the strategy process, leveraging its extensive experience to actively influence the transformation to a circular economy in Bavaria.
