Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE) has called on the EU to enhance harmonised collection systems for plastics across member states to achieve a circular economy for the material.
Addressing key challenges in collection, design for recycling and uptake, PRE says, while setting rules to verify the targets’ progress are among the “critical prerequisites” for the EU in the coming years. PRE says it strongly believes that the European action should be focused on five priorities to accelerate the transition towards circular plastics.
These priorities include the European institutions addressing systemic barriers, promoting the enhancement of harmonised collection systems across the EU, and establishing “realistic” recycling targets and recycled content targets.
Promoting transparency and establishing a level playing field for all products, including imported items, is “essential” to mitigate the risk of using unverified recycled plastics from non-EU countries to reach its targets, PRE says.
Plastics recycling has proved itself as one of the vital components of a circular economy in Europe.
To do this, PRE says there should be reliable verification and certification systems to ensure the traceability of waste-derived materials across the entire value chain. PRE also says “decisive action” to combat greenwashing is key.
PRE says these actions will guarantee fair competition and strengthen investments in the EU plastics industry. Policies based on scientific assessments and data should be the cornerstone of European action, PRE says.
Ton Emans, Plastics Recyclers Europe’s President, commented: “Plastics recycling has proved itself as one of the vital components of a circular economy in Europe.
“To unlock its full potential, necessary incentives, targeting the entire value chain must be set to drive investments towards EU recycling capacities and technological developments.”
