Latest EU circularity drive ‘undervalues’ recyclers’ role

Recyclers and waste managers in Europe have challenged the EU’s new Clean Industrial Deal (CID) for not doing enough to back material circularity in the drive to decarbonisation.

The policy sets out an ambition to position the EU as a world leader in the circular economy by 2030. It includes an assertion that circularity is key to maximising Europe’s limited resources, reducing dependencies, enhancing resilience, and creating a more competitive, low-carbon industrial model.

No recognition

But Fead, the European waste managers’ association, argues that true circularity requires products generated by waste management and recycling to be more competitive compared to virgin materials. EuRIC, the recyclers’ umbrella organisation, says the deal fails to effectively link decarbonisation with circularity or recognise the key role EU recyclers play in cutting carbon emissions and generating resources.

In a news release, EuRIC says CID has a target of doubling the circular material use rate to 24% by 2030 but lacks the concrete mechanisms to deliver it. Secretary General Julia Ettinger says CID must drive action, not just ambition.

‘The EU now has all the tools it needs – from the Critical Raw Materials Act to the Net Zero Industry Act and the Clean Industrial Deal itself. The challenge now is to use them effectively. Recyclers urgently need support as they battle skyrocketing energy prices, weak demand and excessive red tape. There can be no decarbonisation and competitiveness without circularity, and no sustainable future without a strong recycling industry.’

Prefer recyclates

For its part, Fead insists a set of strong measures are needed to ensure that recyclates are the preferred choice in the EU market. It is calling for action to boost the demand for recyclates, fewer market restrictions and export taxes on scrap and lower costs for the recycling industries.

President Claudia Mensi says: ‘We strongly support the CID’s recognition of circularity as a key pillar of European competitiveness and sustainability. However, ensuring a truly level playing field between recycled and virgin materials will require strong policy measures to create a competitive recycling sector, incentivise demand, and support industry needs such as energy cost reduction.’