Page 51 - Plastics News May 2026
P. 51
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
REBOOTING CIRCULAR PLASTICS IN EUROPE: A CALL
FOR URGENT ACTION AND COMPETITIVENESS
uropean plastics value chain, represented structure.
by European Plastics Converters, Plastics
ERecyclers Europe, and Plastics Europe, To achieve this, a number of priority measures
welcomes the relaunch of the Circular Plastics must be advanced without delay:
Alliance (CPA) as a critical opportunity to get 1. Restore fair competition by promoting Eu-
Europe’s plastics circularity ambitions back on rope made circular plastics;
track. At a time of growing pressure on the sec-
tor, renewed political focus from the Europe- 2. Reduce energy costs to enable circular plas-
an Commission and Member States must now tics to compete globally;
translate rapidly into concrete action. We hope 3. Close loopholes in verification and enforce-
that the high-level meeting taking place today ment to ensure a level playing field;
will be an important step towards that.
4. Address market fragmentation through con-
In a global context marked by geopolitical in- sistent implementation and enforcement of
stability and supply chain disruptions, building EU legislation;
a circular plastics system in Europe is not only
an environmental imperative but also a strate- 5. Unlock innovation and investment by break-
gic necessity. It is essential to strengthening Eu- ing regulatory and financial deadlocks;
rope’s competitiveness, enhancing its strategic 6. Strengthen Extended Producer Responsibil-
autonomy, and safeguarding economic security. ity (EPR) schemes to support a fair and ef-
Delivering on this ambition now requires bold, fective circular market.
coordinated, and decisive leadership.
We welcome the CPA’s renewed focus on ad-
As the Circular Plastics Alliance relaunches, the dressing immediate competitiveness challenges,
plastics value chain calls on EU and national de- including trade-related barriers, enforcement
cision-makers to take urgent and targeted ac- gaps, and capacity constraints. The recognition
tion to: of the need for dedicated customs codes for
♦ Restore the competitiveness of the Europe- recycled plastics is a positive step forward. As
an plastics system; industry, we stand ready to actively contribute
data, expertise, and practical insights to support
♦ Ensure regulations are workable, fit-for-pur- this work. We also underline the importance of a
pose, and capable of accelerating the transi- technology-neutral approach that supports the
tion to circularity; full range of recycling solutions needed to scale
♦ Create a more enabling environment for in- circularity.
vestment in circular technologies and infra-
May 2026 PLASTICS NEWS 53
