European Plastics Association calls for mandatory target of 30% recycled content in plastic packaging by 2030

PlasticsEurope, the Brussels-based pan-European association of plastics manufacturers, supports the European Commission's mandated recycling content targets for plastic packaging in the EU
.
In a statement, the association called for a 30 percent target for plastic packaging by 2030
.

According to its data, around 17.
8 million tonnes of plastic post-consumer packaging waste was collected in 2018
.
42% goes to recycling, 39.
5% goes to energy recovery and 18.
5% goes to landfill – figures that clearly show room for improvement
.

EU-mandated targets for recycled content in packaging will drive the recycling market and contribute to a true circular economy
.

As PlasticsEurope points out, the use of recyclable content in plastic packaging will bring several benefits: plastic waste that will be incinerated or sent to landfill can be properly recycled and further reduce the carbon footprint of packaging
.
This will also help preserve natural resources by reducing the amount of virgin material required
.

However, the lack of regulatory authority for polymers (such as food contact legislation), coupled with inconsistent batch quality and lack of security of supply, are factors that must be addressed if real progress is to be made
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Supply chain efficiency and having the right infrastructure also need to be taken into account
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Achieving this goal requires action by all involved partners
.

The European Commission's Circular Plastics Alliance is a good example of the type of coordination and cooperation necessary
.
PlasticsEurope plays a leading role in the alliance, which brings together more than 290 value chain members committed to delivering 10 million tonnes of recycled content in products by 2025
.

In addition, PlasticsEurope members are already working towards the proposed 2030 targets and are investing billions of euros in new technology solutions such as chemical recycling
.
Planned investments in the technology and infrastructure range from €2.
6 billion in 2025 to €7.
2 billion in 2030
.

As PlasticsEurope puts it: “Chemical recycling is the missing link necessary to achieve a truly circular economy for plastics
.
As a promising technology, chemical recycling complements other methods of recycling plastics, such as mechanical and dissolving recycling
.
”

The association warned that to achieve such a mandatory target, enhanced chemical recycling is essential
.