In a joint letter, a broad alliance of companies and associations from the recycling and packaging industry warns of the risks to the European circular economy posed by the EU Commission's current draft implementing act on the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD).
The signatories - including Werner & Mertz, Alpla, Remondis and the BDE, BVSE, VBS and VOEB associations - have sent a joint letter to EU Environment Commissioner Jessica Roswall and other Commissioners.
At the centre the definition of „post-consumer plastic waste“ in the current draft of the implementing decision: This is to be harmonised with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) in future. According to Allianz, this step would have serious consequences:
Legal and economic risks
Harmonisation of the SUPD implementing decision with the PPWR without effective market-based protection mechanisms would exacerbate the existing problems in the European plastics recycling industry.
Market distortion due to imports from third countries
European markets are increasingly exposed to imports of recyclates whose quality is questionable and whose legal status as secondary raw materials is unclear. These Imports are sold at dumping prices These products lead to distortions of competition and repeat problematic practices that are already familiar from the textile sector.
Jeopardising ecological and strategic objectives
The recyclate quotas set out in the SUPD and the PPWR are intended to protect the environment and Strengthen Europe's sovereignty over raw materials. Both objectives are undermined if unregulated, inferior recyclates from third countries are permitted to fulfil the requirements.
Uncertainty and loss of trust among consumers
The Lack of reliable quality standards for imported recyclates leads to confusion in the market and weakens consumer confidence in the credibility of recycled content claims, the signatories therefore call for the existing definition from the current Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2683 to be retained. Harmonisation with the PPWR definition can only take place if a legally binding mirror clause is introduced at the same time, that imported recyclates meet the same quality and legal standards as those produced in Europe.
„Without clear rules, Europe risks weakening its recycling industry and thus a central pillar of the circular economy. This would be a setback for the environment, climate and competitiveness,“ the letter states.
The Alliance appeals to the European Commission and the member states to ensure the competitiveness of the European recycling industry and not jeopardise the EU's ambitious climate targets.
Source: BDE
