Plastics Europe’s reaction to the provisional deal on circularity in the automotive sector

Virginia Janssens, Managing Director at Plastics Europe said: 

"Today's provisional deal is a meaningful step forward for circularity in Europe. However, with several aspects still undefined, it's too soon to judge the full deal. What's clear is that setting recycled plastic targets in EU legislation for the second time shows the growing recognition of plastics as a valuable resource in a circular economy.

While we are disappointed that negotiators ultimately agreed on only a 15% recycled plastic target for new vehicles within six years, we recognise that such a target will grow to 25% in ten years. We had supported the Commission's more ambitious and, in our view, realistic proposal of 25% initial target. A lower target risks weakening the market pull needed to scale high-quality recycling, stimulate investment, and drive the transition towards a more circular and competitive plastics system in Europe.

We now urge the European Parliament Plenary and Ministers to swiftly endorse this agreement so that industry can plan with certainty and progress towards Europe's circularity and competitiveness goals without delay.

We remain committed to working with policymakers and industry partners to ensure Europe can unlock the full potential of circular plastics and deliver on its climate and resource-efficiency ambitions."

Notes for Editors

Plastics Europe is the pan-European association of plastics manufacturers with offices across Europe. For over 100 years, science and innovation have been the DNA that cuts across our industry. With members producing over 90% of all polymers across EU27+3 (Norway, Switzerland, UK) we are the catalyst for the industry with a responsibility to openly engage with stakeholders and deliver solutions which are safe, circular and sustainable. We are committed to implementing long-lasting positive change.

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