Plastic Industry Urged to Increase Use of Recycled Plastic

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The European Commission (EC) urged the plastics industry to focus on increasing the recycled plastic content in products. Further, it highlighted the prominent role plastics have to play in the circular economy.

Joanna Drake, Deputy Director, Environment Directorate applauded the industry for the commitments made earlier this year with regards to increased use of recycled plastic. The industry had committed to increase the content from nearly 2.5-4.0 million metric tons to around 10 million metric tons by 2025.

ALSO READ: Extended Producer Responsibility Proposal for Packaging Hits the National Stage

According to Drake, the new version of the EC Circular Action Plan will focus on regulations intended to instil confidence in people with respect to the quality and durability of products made with recycled materials. The EC also called for further strengthening of requirement around recycling and reusing of packaging, so that all packaging eventually becomes reusable or easily recyclable by 2030. Drake urged the industry to incorporate more innovations in packaging design.

The EC highlighted the need for putting an end to illegal export of plastic waste to outside countries. The domestic handling of plastic waste generated in Europe is in line with the circular economy approach, it noted. Further it also demanded timely modifications to guidelines on extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs.