Turning the vision of a new plastics economy into reality will require joined efforts across the entire plastics value chain. Plastic products need to be designed for recycling, this will not only improve the economics but also the quality of plastics recycling. Moreover, investments need to be done so as to innovate and expand the collection, sorting and recycling capacity at EU level. Our industry is prepared to make the necessary investments if there are concrete measures ensuring a significant uptake of plastic recyclates. This has become even more urgent since the announced ban on imports of certain waste streams and standards restrictions by China.
A strong demand for recycled plastics can only be based on concrete binding actions, accompanied by economic measures to bridge the price gap detrimental to plastics from recyclates. Such concrete measures still need to be developed. If not, we run the risk that efficiently sorted waste is being disposed of. Voluntary industry agreements to contribute to a better uptake of recycled plastics are welcome but they are hardly the basis for a robust, long term European market, which is a pre-requisite for innovations and the required huge investments. While the focus on raising quality is of course important, much greater urgency and attention needs to be given to how the Commission intends to promote European secondary plastics markets with binding actions and economic incentives. Raising quality means raising prices to cover the additional processing.
FEAD members welcome the accelerated work on the interface aspects between chemicals, waste and product policies which will contribute to creating confidence in recycled plastics by manufacturers who need quality and supply certainty. Additionally, design for recycling and better information on the presence of substances of concern will optimise the work of waste operators and ensure safe recycling.
