February 3, 2026 17:10

Ahead of the forthcoming definition of calculation methods for recycled plastic in PET bottles under the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD), Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE) is calling for a clear and rigorous definition of 'recycled plastic' that ensures recycled-content targets are met primarily through recycling carried out in Europe or under conditions equivalent to those of the EU.

According to the association, low-cost extra-EU imports of recycled PET are undermining the survival of European recycling plants just when they are most needed to achieve the Union’s circularity goals.

PRE stresses that the EU can meet recycled-content targets with its own capacities, without structural reliance on recycled PET from third countries. “Early estimates for 2025 indicate 3.3 million tonnes of bottles placed on the market, with PET recycling capacity growing in parallel to approximately 3.2 million tonnes. These figures confirm the strength and maturity of the European ecosystem, even before taking into account the most recent upgrades and efficiency gains.”

By contrast, European recyclers report that roughly fifty recycling plants have closed over the past three years, with capacity losses in 2025 nearly triple those in 2023; PET alone accounts for 21% of the capacity lost. “This wave of closures reflects the growing competitive pressure faced by European recyclers, particularly in light of imports that do not necessarily meet equivalent environmental and traceability standards.”

In this context, it is essential to ensure the reliability of recycled-content claims, verifiable origin, stringent environmental controls and compliance with all relevant EU legislation, such as the food-contact regulation, which sets requirements for separate collection and third-party certification of pre-processing steps.

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