September 8, 2026 15:07

The European plastics value chain, through its European and national representative organisations, is once again calling on Brussels to take urgent measures to support competitiveness, circularity and investment.

In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the signatory organisations reiterate the six recommendations put forward one year ago, ahead of the forthcoming Circular Economy Act.

The appeal comes amid worsening industrial conditions. Between 2023 and the second quarter of 2026, according to figures cited in the document, recycling companies with a combined capacity of around 1.1 million tonnes were forced to close.

In 2024, European plastics production remained broadly stable at 54.6 million tonnes, while Europe’s share of global production fell to 12% and, according to a forecast by Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE), could decline to 7% by 2034. The figures cited in the document cover the EU-27+3 area.

According to the signatories, low-priced imports, high energy costs, regulatory uncertainty, administrative burdens and fragmented rules continue to hold back investment.

The demands include restoring fairer competitive conditions for circular plastics produced in Europe, cutting energy costs, strengthening verification and enforcement, including for imports, ensuring consistent implementation of EU legislation, providing incentives for innovation and private investment, and strengthening EPR schemes.

“The forthcoming Circular Economy Act therefore represents a crucial opportunity to translate ambition into action. By creating the conditions for investment, innovation and fair competition, it can help secure a thriving circular plastics value chain and reinforce Europe’s industrial leadership. The window for action is rapidly narrowing,” the signatories state.

The document is signed, among others, by Plastics Europe, EuPC, Petcore Europe, Eumeps and PRE.

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