The EU’s capacity to recycle plastics will soon have fallen by 1 million tonnes in just two years, the industry has warned.
Trade body Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE) claimed the sector was “facing imminent collapse” as facilities closed.
It said that by the end of this year, capacity could be almost 1m tonnes lower than in 2023.
The organisation blamed low-price imports for creating a lull in demand for EU-produced recyclate, which has hit the sector at the same time as general economic difficulties.
It added that the UK, alongside Germany and the Netherlands, was suffering heavily from reduced ability to recycle plastics.
“To revive demand for EU recyclates and prevent further closures, policymakers must urgently implement trade and market defence mechanisms, ensure consistent extended producer responsibility rules and strictly enforce third-party certification and harmonised penalties for non-compliant materials,” urged PRE.
“This must be paired with measures that alleviate economic pressures for recyclers – such as access to inexpensive, clean energy – and a reduction of red tape to obtain and renew permits.
“Strengthening customs controls and including targeted incentives for investment are also critical to restoring the sector’s competitiveness.”
