MEPs propose that every new type of vehicle should contain at least 20% recycled plastic within six years after the regulation enters into force.

The proposal is part of the EU’s circular economy package for the automotive sector and is paired with a more ambitious 10-year target of 25%, conditional on the availability of secondary raw materials at reasonable costs. In parallel, the Council of the EU has outlined a three-step approach to allow a gradual transition for the industry.
For suppliers of plastic components, this means new investments in traceability systems, long-term supply contracts for rPET and rPP, and certification requirements. The measure is expected to reshape procurement strategies across Europe. For Romania and other Eastern European countries, aligning recycling and compounding capacities quickly could create competitive advantages in the automotive supply chain.