Sometimes you just know: this is the moment. That’s exactly where the plastic recycling sector stands today. We’re losing capacity, the market is flooded with ultra-cheap virgin plastic, and regulations are tightening. Meanwhile, we’re watching as a million tons of recycling capacity slowly disappears across Europe. Waiting for better times? That’s no longer an option.
What frustrates me most? The enormous potential of our sector is being held back by outdated reflexes and a lack of courage. Proposed taxes on waste incineration feel like a slap in the face to every entrepreneur who does want to invest in circular solutions. Costs are rising, competition with virgin plastic is unfair, and demand for recyclate remains sluggish. But now is exactly the time to push forward.
It is possible. Look at the alternatives: make recyclate the standard. Not just in packaging, but across all sectors. Set binding agreements, not vague intentions. Let the Netherlands lead the way with a mandatory minimum percentage of recyclate in products. And government, take responsibility: award extra points in tenders to products with recycled content. Make a real difference!
Let’s also make it economically attractive. As an example, in the Netherlands, we could compensate for the difference between virgin and recycled materials through the Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition Incentive Scheme (SDE++). Encourage producers with tax incentives. Offer recycling companies discounts on energy taxes. Introduce targeted exemptions for high-quality recycling. These aren’t dreams, they’re concrete steps.
But above all: collaboration is key. The transition to circular plastics requires action from everyone: producers, processors, policymakers, and consumers. Only together can we make the recycling market future-proof.
So here’s my call to you, the reader: take action. Join initiatives that prioritize circular goals. Invest in quality, choose long-term impact, and engage with partners. The future of plastic recycling is in our hands. Let’s secure it today, not tomorrow.
Eric van Roekel
Managing Director Plastic Recycling