November 14, 2025 12:02

PlasticsEurope, the association representing European plastics producers, has submitted its position paper in response to the European Commission’s public consultation on the upcoming Circular Economy Act, a legislative proposal expected to take shape by the end of 2026.

The association recalls that European plastics producers are already committed to the “Plastics Transition” roadmap, aimed at accelerating the shift toward circularity, cutting life-cycle emissions to net zero and promoting the sustainable use of plastics.
However, it emphasizes that circularity remains, for now, more of a political ambition than an industrial reality.
Without urgent intervention, rising energy costs, unfavorable regulation and fragmented policies will continue to weaken the sector’s foundations, undermining its ability to drive innovation and contribute to Europe’s strategic autonomy.

In the position paper, the industry identifies six key areas where the Commission should take action. Chief among them is the creation of market demand for secondary raw materials and circular technologies, through sector-specific recycled content targets, incentives for "Made in Europe" products and green public procurement policies. The association also calls for import equivalency requirements to ensure that plastics and plastic products entering the EU are subject to the same standards as those produced within Europe.

PlasticsEurope urges that revenues from the EU plastic levy on non-recycled plastic packaging be reinvested to support the industry’s circular transition by establishing a dedicated fund within the Competitiveness Fund. It also proposes that polymers and organic chemicals be recognized as sectors at risk of carbon leakage, making them eligible for compensation under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).

A functioning single market for plastic waste is also essential, with clear end-of-waste criteria and stronger action against illegal practices — including untracked exports of plastic waste — along with a ban on landfilling and incinerating recyclable plastics.

See also: Unlocking Circular Growth: A Strategic Imperative for Europe

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