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Plastic Recyclers Europe calls for EU-wide ‘harmonised collections’

The trade association Plastics Recyclers Europe has called upon the EU to uphold its commitment to turning plastic into a “fully circular material”, by setting “realistic targets” and introducing harmonised collection systems across the continent. 

Harmonised collection systems across the continent were earmarked as a key target to help plastic recycling

The association, which counts Chase Plastics, Veolia and Viridor as its members, warned that European institutions are facing a “decisive moment” to continue to deliver on its objectives while enforcing the implementation and enforcement of measures to reshape plastic into a “fully circular material.”

Plastic Recyclers Europe has outlined five key priorities for the EU’s focus:

  1. Harmonising collection systems across the EU
  2. Establishing realistic recycling and recycled content targets
  3. Decisive action to combat greenwashing
  4. Establish a level playing field for all products, including imported ones
  5. Forward-looking policies based on scientific assessments and robust data should be the cornerstone of European action

Essential

The group said that to mitigate the risk of using unverified recycled plastics from non-EU countries to reach these targets, it is essential to “promote transparency and establish a level playing field for all products, including imported ones”. The implementation of reliable verification and certification systems plays a key role here by ensuring the traceability of waste-derived materials across the entire value chain, the association added.

It went on to say that by considering these priorities, the European institutions will boost the EU plastics recycling industry and facilitate the transition towards the EU’s Green Deal. “This will be the first building block to move towards a circular, carbon-neutral economy that relies on collaborative efforts, open dialogue, and unwavering commitment from policymakers, industry stakeholders, and consumers alike.”

Ton Emans, Plastics Recyclers Europe’s president said: “Plastics recycling has proved itself as one of the vital components of a circular economy in Europe. To unlock its full potential, necessary incentives, targeting the entire value chain must be set to drive investments towards EU recycling capacities and technological developments”.

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