The European Commission has presented the final draft of the Clean Industrial Deal. Although BDE welcomes the ambitious targets for strengthening the circular economy, it criticises the lack of immediate measures to protect the recycling industry.
The German Association of the Waste Management, Water and Circular Economy (BDE) is disappointed by the lack of protective mechanisms for the European recycling industry. In its initial analysis of the leaked plans on 20 February, the BDE had already highlighted the strategic focus on the circular economy as a positive step. Especially the Reform of public procurement, the promotion of secondary raw materials and the introduction of the EU Circular Economy Act from 2026 are seen by the association as key measures in the right direction.
However, the final draft exposes the recycling industry to considerable risks. Despite positive approaches, the Clean Industrial Deal therefore falls short of the recycling industry's expectations. The BDE criticises the fact that essential Protective measures for the domestic recycling industry not taken into account despite clear demands in advance. Urgent adjustments are needed in several key areas.
As a result, European recycling companies are Low primary plastic prices and unfair imports from the Far East under massive pressure. The failure to introduce fair competitive conditions and effective trading instruments continues to expose the industry to existential risks.
The increasing number of battery fires in recycling plants is not taken into account in battery recycling. The BDE had proposed making manufacturers more responsible by introducing a battery deposit system or a battery fund - but these demands have not been realised. were not taken into account in the final draft. And in textile recycling, the structural problems in disposal have not been addressed, meaning that the industry continues to suffer from a lack of investment incentives.
BDE calls for targeted improvements before implementation
Anja Siegesmund, President of the BDE, is disillusioned: „The Clean Industrial Deal provides many of the right impulses for a sustainable industrial policy. However, the importance that the Commission ascribes to the recycling industry as a supplier of raw materials and driver of the green transition is not reflected in the measures announced. Without targeted protective measures European recyclers against dumping prices and structural disadvantages cannot exist.“
The BDE is therefore calling on the EU Commission to improve the Clean Industrial Deal in the implementation phase. Only through effective and short-term protection mechanisms can the recycling industry make its contribution to the circular economy and decarbonisation - and exist economically at the same time.
„If Europe really wants to become the global market leader in the circular economy by 2030, the Clean Industrial Deal must not only set out visions, but also contain concrete protective measures for the recycling industry. Otherwise, the circular economy in Europe risks being strengthened - without European recyclers.“
Anja Siegesmund, President of the BDE
Source: BDE
