What's Happening?
The European Union's Circular Economy Package, aimed at addressing recycling challenges, has been criticized by the waste industry for not adequately addressing imminent recycler challenges. The package
includes pilot actions such as setting rules for chemically recycled plastic content and finalizing EU-wide end-of-waste criteria for plastics. However, the waste industry, represented by the European Federation of Waste Management and Environmental Services (FEAD), argues that the package fails to address key issues like fragmented markets, high energy costs, and volatile virgin plastic prices. FEAD has called for a 'Made in Europe' clause to ensure that recycled plastic used to meet EU targets is sourced from European plastic waste, a request that was not included in the package. The EU's plastics recycling industry is expected to see a net decrease of around one million tonnes of recycling capacity by 2025 due to these challenges.
Why It's Important?
The criticism from the waste industry highlights significant challenges facing the EU's efforts to promote a circular economy. The lack of clear sourcing requirements for recycled plastics could undermine the EU's recycling targets and affect the competitiveness of European recyclers. This situation could lead to increased reliance on imported recycled materials, potentially impacting the EU's environmental goals and economic interests. The industry's concerns underscore the need for more robust policies to support the recycling sector and ensure a level playing field for European businesses. Addressing these issues is crucial for achieving the EU's sustainability objectives and fostering a resilient circular economy.
