EU's plastics recycling sector braces for possible collapse as coalition pushes for preservation
Europe's plastics recycling industry is facing an existential threat, according to warnings from Plastics Recyclers Europe and Searious Business. The crisis, caused by a combination of factors including cheap recyclate imports, declining demand for EU-made recyclates, and growing economic pressures, has led to the closure of several recycling plants across the continent.
To address this pressing issue, a coalition of industry leaders, including Searious Business, Maastricht University, TOMRA, EREMA, Sintac Recycling, FIMIC, OCS, Bas van den Ende - Kunststof Recycling, Nordson, SKZ, HolyPoly, Berga Recycling, Healix, De Paauw, Circle Economy, Velzy, and VDMA, have launched the campaign 'The Elephant in the Room - Ring the Bell for Recycling'.
The campaign urges the EU to address the 'broken economics' of the plastics recycling industry, particularly the unfair economic advantage enjoyed by virgin plastics due to fossil fuel subsidies. The coalition recommends phasing out these subsidies and internalizing external environmental costs to correct market distortions.
To generate demand for European recyclates, the signatories of the campaign suggest increasing the utilization of recycled content by producers, converters, and brands. They advocate for the use of extended producer responsibility (EPR) and market-based incentives to ensure profitability and close the cost disparity between virgin and recycled plastics.
The EU is encouraged to invest in infrastructure and innovation to make high-quality feedstock more accessible. The coalition believes that this investment will not only benefit the plastics recycling industry but also contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy.
Recyclers, brands, policymakers, and stakeholders are invited to sign the coalition's Industry Statement, which will be formally delivered to the European Commission once the campaign is over. Participants at K-Messe, Duesseldorf from 8 - 15 October, are encouraged to ring a real bell and join the recycling reform movement.
The 'Elephant High Striker' will tour exhibition stands at K-Messe, offering a symbolic opportunity for participants to express their support for the campaign. The crisis in Europe's plastic recycling industry is a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to create a more sustainable and resilient industry.
In addition to the six points from Plastics Recyclers Europe's warning to save Europe's plastic recycling industry, the coalition provides a six-point checklist, ranging from improved transparency to clean energy, to guide the industry towards a more sustainable future. The future of Europe's plastic recycling industry hangs in the balance, and it's time for everyone to take action.
