EU Plastic Recycling Industry at a Breaking Point: Trade Body

Plastic Recyclers Europe cautioned that the EU’s recycling and sustainability targets for 2025 are falling short.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The EU plastic recycling sector is at a 'breaking point,' according to Plastic Recyclers Europe, the trade association for European plastics recyclers that reprocess plastic trash. It stated that urgent action is required due to the growing issue in the EU's plastic recycling system.

The trade group claims that a number of causes, such as a steep drop in domestic production, an increase in imports, and mounting economic constraints, are causing numerous businesses to close. According to projections, compared to 2023, the overall capacity of facilities that closed in 2024 has increased.

The president of Plastics Recyclers Europe, Ton Emans, called on EU lawmakers to adopt a swift and forceful political stand that includes strict import regulations and a ban on products that don't adhere to EU safety and sustainability criteria. The EU plastic recycling industry has invested close to 5 billion euros between 2020 and 2023, and such legislative measures are essential to its future.

High energy costs and rising input trash costs have caused a significant increase in the recycling industry's operating expenses. Recycling rates have drastically decreased as a result of the unfavorable market trends.

The EU's recycling and sustainability goals for 2025 are not being met, according to Plastic Recyclers Europe. 

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