In a joint letter, Plastics Recyclers Europe, Reloop, Recycling Europe, and the European Waste Management Association (FEAD) call for a ‘Made in Europe’ requirement to be applied to recycled plastic content targets – a move expected to create local demand and support the EU’s recycling sector.
The letter anticipates the meeting of Heads of State on 19th – 20th March 2026, where attendees will discuss industrial competitiveness and strategic resilience.
The signatories emphasize that European recyclers are contending with a ‘severe and deepening’ recession and subsequent deindustrialization. These recyclers are considered to be key contributors to reducing emissions and dependence on raw materials in line with the EU’s climate reduction targets.
According to the letter, introducing ‘Made in Europe’ recycled plastic content requirements to the relevant regulations would be ‘a logical, high-impact step towards achieving these climate and circularity goals, while also stabilizing demand, safeguarding industrial capacity, and reinforcing Europe’s competitiveness.’ The letter adds that a ‘consistent horizontal approach’ is necessary to maximize impact and avoid fragmentation.
These requirements are expected to be especially relevant in the context of the Industrial Accelerator Act, in which a certain amount of publicly funded products must originate in the European Union. The signatories also point to the implementing decision for the Single-Use Plastics Directive, which is set to uplift EU recyclers and secure demand for European recyclate.
The signatories also urge the European Commission to implement ‘Made in Europe’ criteria for recycled plastic content targets in future implementing acts and sector-specific regulations. This is considered to be a ‘strategic industrial policy choice’ that would secure long-term competitiveness, resilience, and circularity.
The development follows another joint letter signed by Plastics Recyclers Europe, Recycling Europe, and FEAD, which called upon the Commission to prioritize European-made plastic in mandatory recycling content targets and support the continent’s recycling industry.
Last year, Plastics Recyclers Europe recorded the slowest growth in Europe’s plastic recycling capacity ‘in years’. In light of a decline in domestic production, increases in imports, and company closures due to economic pressures, the organization feared that Europe would fall short of its recycling and sustainability targets.
If you liked this story, you might also enjoy:
The ultimate guide to packaging innovation in 2026
Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation: what to know in 2026
Everything you need to know about global packaging sustainability regulation
No comments yet