Polymer reprocessors have warned of an “intensifying” crisis in the sector and demanded “decisive action” on import controls.
Trade body Plastics Recyclers Europe said the rate of company closures across the continent was rising exponentially.
It said soaring costs, dampened economies and cheap imports were damaging the viability of recycling plastic within the EU.
“Now more than ever, decisive action is essential,” said Plastics Recyclers Europe president Ton Emans.
“We urge EU policymakers to take a fast and strong political stance, introducing effective import controls and enforcing existing legislation.”
He said such measures were “crucial for the survival of the plastic recycling industry”.
Plastics Recyclers Europe in November published data showing that the 27 EU member states, alongside the UK, Switzerland and Norway, had the ability to recover 13.2m tonnes of the material in 2023.
This was up 6 per cent from the previous year but represented a drastic drop in pace against an average growth rate of 17 per cent over the five years to 2022.
