Recycling Europe warns PPWR recycled-content targets may slip without rules by year-end
Maria Vera-Duran, policy director at Recycling Europe, told the BIR World Recycling Convention in Malaga that PPWR recycled-content targets could be postponed if the European Commission does not finalise its calculation methodology and rules by the end of the year. She warned that the EU's coming ban on plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries will leave more material in Europe, which needs stronger demand for recyclates. Speakers also flagged weak demand and falling margins among recyclers, and a Norwegian proposal to bring green-listed plastics under Basel Convention prior-informed-consent rules.
Why this mattersPostponed PPWR targets would delay the mandated demand European plastics recyclers need as export outlets to non-OECD countries close and margins fall.
- PPWR recycled-content targets for plastic packaging: 10-35% by 2030 and 25-65% by 2040
- Recycling Europe says targets may be postponed if the methodology and rules are not finalised by the end of the year
- The EU Waste Shipment Regulation will soon block plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries
- Norway proposes bringing all plastics, including green-listed B3011 mixtures, under Basel prior-informed-consent rules; COP to discuss in April 2027
- Max Craipeau of Greencore Resources succeeded Henk Alssema of Inviplast as BIR Plastics Division president