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‘EU plastics sector at crossroads’

Eighteen industry stakeholders across the plastics industry have called for immediate efforts to strengthen the European plastics industry and promote a resilient, innovative, sustainable value chain.

They point out the plastic value chain is being hit by a strong recession caused by increased imports of non-EU recycled plastics, reduced investment in domestic raw materials production and recycling, as well as a lack of demand for EU-virgin and recycled plastics.

The signatories include EuRIC, FEAD, Plastics Recyclers Europe and Plastics Europe.

Steep decline

The 18 argue that despite significant technological innovation in recent years, the new market data shows a steep decline in the virgin industry. Europe’s share of global plastics production has fallen from 28% in 2002 to 14% in 2022, while the growth of recycling capacity is slowing down from 16% in 2021 to 6% in 2023.

‘The uncontrolled imports of recyclates and virgin plastics into the EU pose a critical challenge requiring swift action,’ the joint release insists. ‘While global trade is essential to ensure a thriving European economy, EU environmental, health and safety regulations must be enforced on all products and materials placed on the market.

‘We must urgently address the existing market uncertainties to prevent further de-industrialisation and establish a Single Market for waste and recycled plastics.’

Incentives call

The release calls for best practices to be implemented across all Member States, from production and processing to collection, sorting and recycling. They should be accompanied by clear enforcement measures to ensure the progress towards legislative targets.

The signatories want the authorities to establish an EU-level incentive scheme to boost investment and clear legislative measures to encourage circular solutions.

The release concludes with by warning: ‘Without decisive and targeted action, Europe risks losing its leadership in innovative plastic production and recycling, along with its broader industrial base, jeopardising the implementation of the 2030 environmental legal framework.’

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