Partnership ready for EU plastic scrap export ban

A deal to retain plastic big bags in Belgium has been struck ahead of the EU’s ban on exporting plastic waste to non-OECD countries.

Valipac, the extended producer responsibility (EPR) organisation for industrial packaging, has concluded an agreement with Raff Plastics by which sufficient local capacity will be reserved in Belgium to recycle around 6 000 tonnes of bags.

The export ban comes into force in November and the expectation in the sector is that it will seriously disrupt the recovery of certain industrial plastic packaging, notably big bags, 97% of which are currently recycled outside the OECD.

Complex stream

At the start of the year, Valipac sought out recyclers with the capacity to handle the complex plastic stream and 24 companies came forward. After an evaluation, Valipac selected Raff Plastics, a family owned recycler based in Houthulst, Belgium.

The agreement makes it possible to reserve sufficient recycling capacity to recycle 6 000 tonnes of big bags. These waste streams can thus be transformed into plastic granules, which will then be reintroduced into new industrial applications.

Broader reach?

‘Valipac does not rule out, moreover, setting up similar support mechanisms for other plastic streams that today are highly dependent on exports and for which local recycling capacity is insufficient, such as certain categories of coloured industrial plastic films,’ the press release says.

‘This initiative constitutes a temporary solution to the plastics crisis and the current tensions on recycling markets. Valipac nevertheless underlines its intention to return as soon as possible to its original non-interventionist free market model.’

Local capacity boost

The collaboration not only supports the continuing availability of big bags in Belgium but also represents also investment in local recycling capacity and the development of a more robust circular plastics value chain in the country.

‘The ban on exporting plastic waste compels us to prepare solutions for tomorrow, today,’ says Xavier Lhoir, deputy md of Valipac. In this way, Belgian companies remain sorting, and we ensure the continuity of recycling in Belgium.’

Caroline Van der Perre, md of Raff Plastics, called the agreement ‘good news’ for local employment. ‘Raff Plastics is proud to contribute to a Belgian solution for this plastic waste.’