The driving force behind circularity is no longer only environmental; it is now also economic, industrial and strategic

Translation of the interview of Alicia Martín, MD Plastics Europe Iberica Region for national Spanish daily ABC

By Charo Barroso, Madrid May 30 2026

In a Europe that is losing competitiveness compared to other parts of the world, especially China, she advocates for an ecological transition that does not lead to industrial relocation. Since taking over as Managing Director of Plastics Europe in the Iberica region in 2020, Alicia Martín has become one of the strongest voices in the industry advocating for an ecological transition that combines sustainability and industrial competitiveness. Far from framing the debate in terms of “plastic yes or plastic no,” she insists that no material is intrinsically more sustainable than another, as everything depends on the full life cycle. This idea challenges simplistic approaches to the environmental impact of materials.

CB: Plastics have gone from being a symbol of progress to becoming almost a global villain. Has the industry lost the battle?
AM: I wouldn’t say we’ve lost the battle, but sometimes we’ve arrived late to the debate. We share society’s concern about waste and we know that this is where the challenge lies. Today our commitment is clear: to demonstrate with facts that plastics are part of the solution—key to decarbonisation and circularity—if they are properly managed.

CB: The new Plastics Europe report conveys a pessimistic tone… It even speaks of a “dramatic” slowdown in the circular transition in Europe.
AM: The report reflects a worrying reality: both the production and use of circular plastics have slowed dramatically, while globally they are accelerating. More than pessimism, it is an urgent call to action. If Europe wants to lead in circularity, it must strengthen industrial competitiveness and implement measures that boost investment and demand for circular materials.

CB: Is the ecological transition also an industrial race?
AM: Without a doubt. The main driver of circularity is no longer only environmental; it is now also economic, industrial and strategic. We cannot decarbonise by relocating our industry. This transition is also a race to attract investment and production. If Europe is not competitive, we will depend on imports with lower climate ambition and end up importing what we previously produced, while other regions benefit from the industrial and economic value of our circular economy.

CB: Is European regulation helping or complicating the transition?
AM: European regulation is necessary. But today its complexity and fragmentation are complicating the transition. We need a more agile and predictable framework, and urgent measures that enable us to compete on equal terms with other economies and stimulate demand for circular plastics. Otherwise, we risk having the most advanced regulation in the world… for an industry that may have to leave the continent.

CB: A few years ago, talking about strategic autonomy seemed reserved for defence or energy. How does it affect the plastics industry?
AM: Strategic autonomy means ensuring that Europe produces the materials essential for its transition, such as circular plastics, mainly produced from waste and biomass. Today we export more plastic waste to be recycled abroad, and, at the same time, we depend on imported circular plastics. This weakens our industrial capacity. Without strengthening recycling and production, we will lose control over supply and economic sovereignty.

CB: So… are we not seeing plastic waste as a strategic resource?
AM: Unfortunately, not always. They are strategic resources, key raw materials for our autonomy. Yet around 70% still ends up incinerated or in landfill. We must consolidate a competitive market for circular plastics, recognising that the circular transition gives Europe the opportunity to become a resource-rich continent.

CB: You often emphasise technological neutrality…
AM: Circularity does not have a single solution. We need to develop different technologies in parallel, such as mechanical and chemical recycling. If we do not invest in both, we will limit our ability to process all waste, losing much of its potential as a resource.

CB: After the report’s findings, how do you imagine the plastics industry in 2050?
AM: I still believe that our roadmap, “The Plastics Transition,” towards a circular and climate-neutral European ecosystem is achievable if we strengthen the competitiveness of our industry today. Without it, there will be no circular future.