European recycling trade associations have jointly called for a "Made in Europe" approach to recycled plastic content within the upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The coalition is urging EU policymakers to enforce stringent environmental and safety standards on all recycled materials used to meet mandatory targets, alongside robust, third-party-verified supply chain traceability.
The PPWR will set binding recycled content targets for packaging placed on the EU market. European recyclers are concerned that cheap, poorly audited imports of recycled polymers from third countries could flood the market, undermining domestic recycling investments. By demanding equivalent standards and strict verification for imports, these trade groups want to ensure a level playing field, effectively proposing that imported recycled plastics must meet the exact same environmental, health, and safety criteria as those manufactured within the bloc.
This development is critical for Turkish recyclers and UK waste exporters. Türkiye is a major exporter of recycled polymers, particularly rPET and recycled polyolefins, to the European market. If the EU adopts these strict equivalence rules, Turkish processors will face intense scrutiny regarding feedstock traceability, processing standards, and chemical safety compliance. For UK waste companies exporting scrap plastic, this could restrict the destinations of their exports if overseas facilities cannot prove equivalence, potentially driving up compliance costs but also rewarding those who invest early in transparent, fully auditable supply chains.
As a practical takeaway, Turkish recyclers and UK exporters must proactively audit their supply chains and secure recognised third-party certifications, such as EuCertPlast or RecyClass. Relying on basic documentation will no longer suffice; demonstrating rigorous traceability from initial waste collection to the final pellet will be essential to maintain access to the premium EU packaging market.
