The transition to a resilient Circular Single Market goes hand in hand with a healthy and competitive European plastics recycling value chain. In this scenario, framework files like the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) constitute the centerpieces of EU legislation driving the plastics industry transition. They are geared at boosting circularity of plastics by setting measurable targets and harmonising recycling practices across Member States to, eventually, stimulate investments and safeguard the ambition of the EU Green Deal.
The European Parliament has a crucial role in enabling the green transition and advancing plastic circularity in Europe by working to achieve a true level playing field, ensuring financial support to the EU’s plastics recycling industry and applying robust methodologies to achieve legislative targets. Plastic waste is a valuable resource that, when recycled, reduces the use of virgin materials – on which the EU is heavily dependent. Therefore, a thriving EU plastics recycling industry not only mitigates the environmental impact of plastic pollution but also enhances the EU’s competitiveness.
“The European Parliament has a crucial role in enabling the green transition and advancing plastic circularity in Europe”
A level playing field in a global economy
Current market challenges show the need for a level playing field for the European plastics recycling industry. EU recyclers adhere to strict legislation and safety requirements, while low-priced imports often lack verification, making it extremely challenging to compete with them. To ensure fairness, all market players must meet the same collection and sustainability requirements. Independent third-party certifications are one of the solutions here. They prove traceability by verifying waste origin, recycling processes, and supply chains. These should follow a chain of custody model and be strictly enforced to prevent greenwashing, ensure consumer safety, and meet EU environmental goals.
Timely, well-applied legislation
Core pieces of legislation like the PPWR, the ESPR, the Green Claims Directive, and the revision of the Directive on End-of-Life Vehicles are advancing plastics circularity in the EU. However, the ambitious targets set by such legislation must be backed up with robust methodologies.
Investments boost competitiveness
In today’s fierce geopolitical landscape, it is vital to continuously back investments in the EU’s recycling infrastructure to increase its capacity and improve separate collection and sorting of plastic waste. These investments are essential for the EU’s plastics recycling industry to meet legislative targets, keeping the long-term competitiveness of the EU and staying at the forefront of the green transition.
The future of EU plastics recycling
Plastics Recyclers Europe encourages the new Parliament to keep ambitions high and to work towards a much-needed shift to a Circular Single Market. The 2024-2029 legislature will be critical for the EU institutions to deliver on the commitments of the Green Deal and the new Clean Deal.
Without a healthy and resilient European plastics recycling value chain, the already threatened EU industry will be further endangered. However, EU legislation – if well designed and timely enforced – is a powerful catalyst to safeguard the competitiveness and resilience of the EU. Leading the green transition comes with challenges, but securing a circular future for the European Union is the only way we have.