The European Union’s plastic recycling industry is at a “breaking point”, Plastic Recyclers Europe says.
Plastic Recyclers Europe said a sharp decline in domestic production, increased imports, and rising economic pressures are forcing company closures.
Plastic Recyclers Europe, which represents European plastics recyclers who reprocess plastic waste, warned of “severe consequences” across the entire value chain.
“Now more than ever, decisive action is essential,” Ton Emans, President at Plastics Recyclers Europe, said.
“We urge EU policymakers to take a fast and strong political stance, introducing effective import controls and enforcing existing legislation, including the restriction of importing materials which do not meet equivalent EU sustainability and safety standards.”
We urge EU policymakers to take a fast and strong political stance…
European recyclers also have to deal with high energy costs and soaring input waste costs, Plastic Recyclers Europe said, which have increased operational expenses over the last few years.
Plastic Recyclers Europe also warned businesses are being undercut by cheaper imported materials.
The negative market trends have been detrimental to the industry, Plastic Recyclers Europe said, which has led to a decline in recycling rates, hindered the adoption of circular practices and increased reliance on unsustainable production methods.
Imports of both recycled and virgin polymers account for over 20% of EU polymer consumption, while domestic recycling production has declined by 5% for most polymers.
Plastic Recyclers Europe said EU plastic production is projected to regress to levels last seen in the year 2000, even as polymer consumption continues to grow.
At the same time, plastic waste exports from the EU increased by 36% in 2024 compared to 2022, highlighting a shift away from in-region recycling efforts.
