Page 45 - Plastics News Issue - January 2025
P. 45
BUSINESS NEWS
Business alliance puts forward concrete
rules for the import of recycled plastics
contribution to the discussion on the import of
recycled materials from third countries by de-
scribing the challenges and consequences while
suggesting concrete solutions to improve the
situation.
“We welcome the intention of the European
Commission to develop a European Circular
Economy Act to create a well-functioning inter-
nal market for recycled raw materials, in line with
the objectives of decarbonising Europe and ad-
dressing strategic vulnerabilities by improving
n alliance of companies and associa- the resilience of supply chains.”
tions from the plastics, packaging, con-
Asumer goods and recycling industries, Speaking on behalf of the alliance, Reinhard Sch-
has called on the European Commission to ur- neider, CEO of Werner & Mertz: “This market can
gently implement existing as well as introduce only function if all countries inside and outside
legal mechanisms to control and certify imports the European Union play by the same rules on
of recycled plastics. a level playing field where imports of recycled
plastics from third countries are subject to the
The circular economy for plastic packaging is standards and requirements of the EU. Howev-
currently under massive pressure, mainly due to er, we will only be able to invest in the further
cheap, non-EU-compliant recyclates from third technological development of mechanical recy-
countries, resulting in the closure of a growing cling and sufficient infrastructure in Europe to
number of European recycling companies due achieve the minimum utilisation rates for plastic
to a lack of profitability. This dramatic trend is recyclates from 2030 if the import of cheap, po-
foreseen to continue through 2025.
tentially non-EU-compliant recyclates from third
In a joint letter, Alpla, Remondis, Werner & Mer- countries is effectively and consistently restrict-
zand the European Sustainable Business Feder- ed.”
ation – ECOPRENEUR.EU, make a constructive Source: European Sustainable Business Federation
January 2025 PLASTICS NEWS 45
