PRE Highlights Concerns About Increasing Imports of Recycled Plastics in the EU

Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE), the representative body for European plastics recyclers, has raised significant concerns regarding the escalating imports of recycled plastic, citing potential threats to the EU industry. The organization, dedicated to championing the role of recyclers in fostering plastic circularity and transitioning towards a circular economy, has identified a pronounced destabilization in the European plastics recycling sector throughout 2023.

The primary driver of this destabilization stems from the mounting influx of recycled plastics into the EU, resulting in an imbalanced market and profound environmental repercussions. Furthermore, PRE asserts that these imports contribute to the EU's deindustrialization while undermining the environmental objectives outlined in the European Green Deal. The organization contends that the stability of the sector is compromised by these imported materials, exacerbated by a decline in EU competitiveness and the absence of a level playing field.

PRE underscores the European Commission's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) as a key instrument designed to enhance circularity and effectively address waste within the EU. However, the organization raises concerns about the potential for non-EU plastic waste to contribute to EU targets without robust control mechanisms, posing a threat to the market.

PRE points to a recent issue brief derived from an analysis of the circular polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyester system, which highlights the possible repercussions on Europe's recycling systems, cautioning that if investments in EU recycling systems are reduced or stopped, greenhouse gas emissions could more than double by 2040. Such a scenario could lead to an increased incineration of waste rather than recycling, with a consequential drop in the PET recycling rate by 2040, threatening the competitiveness of the European industry. The PET recycling rate is estimated to decline to a range of 32% to 38% by 2040, a stark contrast to the 67% projected in the circular scenario.

In response to these challenges, PRE is urging the EU's institutions to implement safeguards that would provide support to the industry and facilitate the transition to a circular economy. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the organization advocates for proactive measures to counteract the destabilizing effects of increased recycled plastic imports.

As part of their advocacy efforts, PRE released a new manifesto in December 2023, calling on the EU to enact necessary changes and policies to achieve what they term as 'genuine' plastics circularity. The manifesto serves as a comprehensive blueprint, outlining the specific adjustments and policy initiatives required to address the challenges posed by the rising imports of recycled plastics and safeguard the long-term sustainability of the European plastics recycling industry. Through this manifesto, PRE aims to mobilize stakeholders and decision-makers towards collectively adopting measures that ensure the responsible and sustainable management of plastic waste within the EU.