Europe’s plastics recycling industry is facing an existential crisis. Despite €5 billion in investments (2020–2023) and 12.5 million tonnes of installed capacity, recyclers are struggling due to: low demand for recycled plastics, the persistent cost advantage of virgin materials (fossil fuel subsidies, unpriced environmental costs), and a surge of underpriced imports. To address this, the coalition has launched the “Elephant in the Room – Ring the Bell for Recycling” campaign, urging EU policymakers and industry leaders to act:

Close the cost gap between virgin and recycled plastics through stronger EPR and market-based incentives.

Enforce strict quality and certification standards for imported recyclates.

Strengthen the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) with enforceable recycled content targets.

Phase out fossil fuel subsidies and internalize external environmental costs.

Support recyclers’ competitiveness with infrastructure investment and EU-level financing tools.

The campaign will be in the spotlight at K-Messe 2025 (8–15 October, Düsseldorf), the world’s largest plastics trade fair, where participants will be invited to “ring the bell for recycling” and join the movement.

Stakeholders across the plastics value chain are encouraged to sign the Industry Statement: link before article! “This is not just about waste management—it’s about Europe’s future competitiveness and climate commitments. By standing together, we can ensure recycling has a fighting chance.” — Willemijn Peeters, CEO, Searious Business