Editor's Note
This editor’s note highlights the key facts and market implications behind “New EU Measures to Support Plastic Recycling”, with emphasis on sourcing, product fit, fabrication, logistics, or buyer impact.
The European Commission is coming to the aid of the plastics industry. Just before Christmas, it presented a first series of pilot actions to accelerate Europe's transition towards a circular economy, with particular attention to the plastics sector.
By optimizing plastic recycling, these measures aim to "unlock the potential of the single market and strengthen the EU's economic security, strategic autonomy, competitiveness, and environmental sustainability," reads a statement.
“This is a measure in line with the analysis of the Draghi report, which highlights circularity and resource efficiency as fundamental levers to strengthen Europe’s industrial competitiveness.”
To accelerate the transition to circularity, the Commission is pursuing a two-phase approach. In the first phase, because pressure on some sectors is acute, this package of pilot measures includes a series of concrete short-term actions – as hoped for by our consortium Ecopolietilene – to support circularity, particularly in the plastics sector, while encouraging investment and innovation more broadly.
Secondly, in 2026, the Commission will propose a circular economy law with further horizontal measures that will improve the functioning of the single market for secondary raw materials.
The plastic recycling sector is facing fragmented markets for recycled materials, high energy costs, volatile virgin plastic prices, and unfair competition from third countries. These pressures are impacting financial losses for EU recyclers and threatening the EU's circularity goals and industrial competitiveness.
Overcoming Market Fragmentation
The absence of harmonized and predictable EU-wide rules for the free movement of recycled plastic has led to a fragmented market. The measures presented should contribute to a more integrated plastics market.
As part of the package, the Commission presents an implementing act "to establish EU-wide end-of-waste criteria for plastic under the Waste Framework Directive. Establishing EU-wide rules on when recycled materials are again considered materials for reuse is a fundamental step to establish a single market for recycled plastic, simplify administrative procedures for recyclers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, and ensure a stable supply of high-quality recycled materials across Europe. Before final adoption, the draft act is published for public feedback until January 26, 2026."
Ensuring Fair Competition
To ensure fair competition between plastic produced in the EU and imported plastic, the Commission is creating "distinct customs codes for virgin and recycled plastic. This will support the enforcement of EU rules on imported plastics by customs and national market surveillance authorities."
The Commission also announced "monitoring efforts for EU and global virgin and recycled plastic markets, which will inform potential trade measures to ensure fair competition between plastic produced in the EU and imported plastic." The Commission will review these measures in 2026.
Encouraging Investment and Innovation
The Commission will intensify support for circular projects, leveraging collaboration with national banks and the European Investment Bank. It will support trans-regional circularity hubs by establishing a pilot Competitiveness Coordination Tool (CCT). The hubs will encourage smart specialization and cross-border cooperation to increase recycling and circular practices.
Source: Read the original article | Published: December 30, 2025