The following statement can be attributed to Katharina Schlegel, Circularity Director at Plastics Europe:
“We welcome the progress made by the Council of Ministers today on the End‑of‑Life Vehicle Regulation (ELVR), this is particularly important as industry needs regulatory clarity now to scale up circular innovations. Although today’s developments show significant promise, there is also clear room for improvement.
While we welcome the retention of the 25% target, Plastics Europe agrees with the Commission proposal for the target to come into force after 72 months, rather than 120 as proposed by the Council. We believe that a minimum target of 25% of recycled content in automotive plastics by applying all recycling technologies, with up to 5% coming from circular sources such as bio-based feedstock, is realistic and achievable.
Alternatively, Plastics Europe calls for the explicit inclusion of bio‑based plastics under Article 55 which would confirm a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable material innovation in Europe. However, the 95‑month delay before the formal inclusion of bio-based plastics is far too slow, and we urge the Council and Parliament to bring this timeline forward without delay so bio‑based solutions can contribute to circular economy.
Time is of the essence: industry needs regulatory clarity now to scale up recycling and circular innovations. We stand ready to engage constructively with EU institutions to ensure that the ELVR delivers industrially viable, sustainable sound and innovation‑driven outcomes for Europe.”
Notes for Editors
Plastics Europe is the pan-European association of plastics manufacturers with offices across Europe. For over 100 years, science and innovation have been the DNA that cuts across our industry. With members producing over 90% of all polymers across EU27+3 (Norway, Switzerland, UK) we are the catalyst for the industry with a responsibility to openly engage with stakeholders and deliver solutions which are safe, circular and sustainable. We are committed to implementing long-lasting positive change.
Press Contact
Cecilia Koshiikene
Senior Manager, Media Relations & Digital Strategy
cecilia.koshiikene@plasticseurope.org