Plastics Europe calls for a 25% share of recycled plastics in new vehicles

Reacting to the recent European Parliament vote on the End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation (ELVR), Plastics Europe urges for ambitious recycling targets. Through its Managing Director, Virginia Janssens, the association states: “While we welcome the Parliament’s call for a 20% recycling target in new vehicles, we consider the Commission’s proposed 25% target not only achievable, but essential.”

“A 25% target would help create the market pull essential for a thriving circular economy, but reaching it requires urgent action: clear policies that attract investment in circular plastics, cut red tape, and ensure a global level playing field for European industry. Moreover, we are concerned by the exclusion of bio-based plastics from the End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation (ELVR) targets. This is a missed opportunity. A future-proof policy framework must recognise the role of plastics made from sustainable sources, such as bio-based feedstocks”, Janssens added.

“To prioritise recycling, we recommend limiting the contribution of bio-based and carbon capture–based plastics to no more than 5% of the overall target; a balanced approach we hope to see reflected in the final legislation. Today, plastics from biomass make up just 1% of material use by converters, largely due to high costs and weak policy support. The solution? Smart, targeted incentives to unlock sustainable and circular plastics, including bio-based plastics, at scale”, the Managing Director continued.

Finally, Virginia Janssens concluded by urging “legislators to seize this opportunity and deliver a regulation that drives investment and ensures that Europe remains a leader in sustainable mobility and materials.”