High imports and low demand for European plastics threaten EU recycling targets, says Plastic Recyclers Europe

Recyclate prices have decreased by up to 50% and foreign cheap material imports have gone up. All recycled polymers are said to have been affected. For example, PET imports have increased by 20% between 2022 and 2023, therefore lowering demand and production for rPET by 10%.

PRE calls for action to be taken to reduce pressure on recyclers otherwise new, legally binding targets may not be met if nothing is done. They recognise legislation as powerful but think it needs to be adequately enforced to ensure its effectiveness.

The idea of an independent third-party certification system would mean preventing untraceable plastic imports. It would also boost traceability for food contact materials and increase the transparency of the origin of recycled plastics.

“The future of the recycling industry is at stake and immediate action in form of enforcement measures is needed to avoid a shutdown of recycling plants across Europe,” said Ton Means, president of PRE.