More than 110 organisations within Europe’s plastics value chain have warned EU policymakers that the continent’s recycling industry is failing to cope with persistent challenges including the widening gap between virgin and recycled plastic prices. The organisations’ statement, which comes as part of the ‘Ring the Bell for Recycling’ campaign led by Searious Business, urges policymakers to close the pricing gap which is forcing recyclers out of business and damaging the EU’s circular economy ambitions.
The 111 signatories have set out a number of recommendations for the EU. These include fixing the virgin plastics versus recycled plastics cost imbalance; guaranteeing recyclers’ profitability through fairer, supportive market mechanisms; strengthening import and quality standards; and ensuring that the upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) delivers a circular and competitive recycling market.
Plastic recycling plants have been closing across Europe in recent months, with waste company Biffa closing its Sunderland plant in February 2025, and rival Viridor closing three plants since 2022. Other recycling companies, such as Borealis and Neste, have dropped plans to construct new plastic recycling plants in Europe. The total loss of plastic recycling capacity since 2023 has been equated at around one million tonnes according to industry body Plastics Europe. Factors affecting the industry include high energy and labour costs, as well as the cheapness of both virgin and recycled plastic from Asia, in comparison with European recycled plastic.
Source: Edie
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