EU unveils new measures to strengthen plastics recycling and boost chemical recycling opportunities
2025.12.30 - 08:34
The European Commission has introduced a package of pilot actions designed to accelerate the transition to a circular economy in the EU’s plastics sector, with specific measures to support recycling industries — including chemical recycling — and address competitive pressures. European Commission
At the end of 2025, the European Commission presented a first set of actions aimed at enhancing plastics recycling across the EU, in line with broader circular economy objectives. The package focuses on strengthening the internal market for recycled plastics and facilitating conditions in which advanced recycling technologies, including chemical recycling, can contribute more effectively to EU recycling targets. European Commission Key elements include: EU-wide end-of-waste criteria for plastics under the Waste Framework Directive, which, once adopted, would clarify when recycled plastics can re-enter the market as secondary raw materials. European Commission Rules on recycled content for PET bottles to encourage uptake of chemically recycled plastics alongside mechanically recycled resins. European Commission Reinforcement of platforms such as the Circular Plastics Alliance to foster collaboration across the value chain and identify shared priorities. European Commission These moves come as the EU’s plastics recycling sector faces increasing economic headwinds — including plant closures and competitive pressure from low-cost imports — underscoring the urgency of regulatory support and market integration. ESG News The pilot package of measures will be open for stakeholder input before formal adoption, as Brussels seeks to balance environmental objectives with industrial competitiveness.