European Union approves new targets for chemical recycling content in plastic bottles, boosting circular economy and sustainability goals.
The European Commission’s Waste Technical Adoption Committee has approved a new implementing decision that broadens the definition of recycling to include chemical recycling and clarifies how recycled content in single-use PET beverage bottles should be calculated and verified under EU rules.
Adopted on February 6, the measure aligns the recycling definition used in the Single-Use Plastics framework with that of the Packaging and Packaging Waste regulations, particularly in relation to mass-balance accounting. This alignment means that chemically recycled material can now be counted as an approved source of recycled content for beverage bottles.
Industry group Chemical Recycling Europe welcomed the move, noting that inconsistent calculation methods across member states had long created uncertainty around recycled-content targets. According to the association, the decision introduces a more harmonized and transparent methodology.
The rules apply a “fuel-use excluded” mass-balance approach, meaning any waste stream diverted to fuel or energy recovery cannot be counted toward recycled content figures. This principle follows the broader waste hierarchy applied across EU environmental legislation.
Despite the positive reception, some stakeholders remain cautious. A representative from Neste indicated that excluding refinery processes from eligibility could limit the contribution of certain facilities to plastics circularity. If similar provisions are incorporated into future packaging regulations, it may also slow the scale-up of advanced recycling capacity.
The EU’s packaging legislation, which came into force in early 2025 and begins full application from August, requires all packaging placed on the market to be recyclable or reusable by 2030, along with minimum recycled-content targets.
Meanwhile, the chemical recycling sector continues to face challenges, including weak demand for mixed plastic waste, investor hesitation, and project cancellations. Market participants suggest that meaningful growth will depend on lower production costs and stronger investment support.
News Courtesy : S&P Global