EU to support struggling plastics recyclers

Help is underway for Europe’s troubled plastics recyclers. The European Commission has published a package of measures to support the sector. It is proposing calculation rules for chemical recycling of plastics and wants to create a level playing field for European and non-European companies.

European plastics recyclers have been facing high energy costs, low and unpredictable prices for new (virgin) plastics and competition from the import of cheap plastics, mostly coming from Southeast Asia. As a result, dozens of businesses have closed in the past year alone.  

Support is crucial

The support measure is in line with pleas from several EU member states. It is seen as ‘an important first and much-needed step with which we will work together to tackle the poor economic conditions in the European recycling sector’, says State Secretary of Environment of the Netherlands, Thierry Aartsen. ‘If no action is taken now, even more companies will collapse.’

Single use plastics

The Commission has also launched a public consultation and call for evidence to evaluate the Single Use Plastics Directive. Brussels says it is the first step in examining how well the Directive has reduced the impact of certain plastic products on the marine environment and on human health, while promoting a circular, innovative and sustainable economy. The consultation and call for evidence are open to all interested parties until 17 March.