The hard work of recyclers and their representatives has been rewarded with key proposals in proposed end-of-life vehicle (ELV) legislation for the EU, it has emerged.
The regulations updating the original 20-year-old ELV Directive have yet to be ratified by the European Parliament and Council but recycling organisations are pleased at the extent of the likely changes, notably a requirement for a minimum of 25% recycled content in plastics used in parts for new vehicles.
Emmanuel Katrakis, secretary general of the umbrella group European Recycling Industries’ Confederation (EuRIC), was with environment commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius as he unveiled the package of measures and saw ELV recycling at first hand at Groupe Comet in Chatelet, Belgium.
New approach
Sinkevičius said: ‘This new approach will make the European vehicle industry more sustainable and resilient, reduce dependence on primary raw materials and energy, boost EU’s recycling sector and enhance the markets for used spare parts and secondary materials.’
This was music to the ears of Katrakis. ‘It’s exactly what we advocated for, particularly with regards to plastic,’ he told Recycling International afterwards. He praised the ‘hard work’ of his Brussels-based team and the members of EuRIC within the ELV sector. Katrakis said the requirement for 25% recycled plastic content – rather than a smaller proportion – was an example of a successful campaign by the recycling sector. He was also pleased about the Commission’s stated wish for recycled content in other key materials such as steel and aluminium.
‘We were alone in advocating for plastics and sanity prevailed. Not everything is perfect, of course, but it’s a very good day for recyclers.’
Don't hesitate to contact us to share your input and ideas. Subscribe to the magazine or (free) newsletter.
Loading ...
