EU Commission’s push for chemically recycled plastic bottles sparks debate

BELGIUM – The European Commission has unveiled a public consultation to establish rules for calculating and verifying chemically recycled content in single-use plastic beverage bottles, aligning with its Action Plan for the EU Chemicals Industry. 

This initiative aims to enhance the sector’s global competitiveness while advancing the EU’s circular economy goals. 

However, the move has ignited a heated discussion about the sustainability and transparency of chemical recycling.

An EC spokesperson emphasized the need for diverse recycling technologies to reduce reliance on virgin fossil fuels and curb landfill waste. 

“We propose counting all outputs from recycling processes directed to material production as recycled content, strengthening the business case for these technologies,” the spokesperson said. 

The rules, part of the Single-Use Plastics Directive, target 25% recycled content in PET bottles by 2025 and 30% in all plastic bottles by 2030.

Janek Vähk, Zero Pollution Policy Manager at Zero Waste Europe, described the rules as a pivotal shift. 

“Chemical recycling is now positioned as a core part of the EU’s green strategy,” he said. However, he cautioned that the narrative risks oversimplifying the technology’s environmental impact.

 “It feels suspiciously close to industry rhetoric, framing chemical recycling as a cure-all for plastic waste,” Vähk noted, questioning whether it truly aligns with the EU Green Deal or merely repackages existing challenges.

The proposed methodology employs a “fuel-use excluded” approach, ensuring that materials like pyrolysis oil used for fuel do not count as recycled content, adhering to the Waste Framework Directive. 

The EC stresses that the rules prioritize transparency while minimizing administrative burdens, with annual third-party verification required for complex processes like chemical recycling. Smaller enterprises face lighter requirements, with checks every three years.

Despite these efforts, concerns linger. Vähk highlighted the absence of robust safeguards, such as chemical traceability, which he argues were critical for environmental protection. 

“The EC’s vague terms and inclusion of materials with unclear benefits raise red flags,” he said. “Are we speeding toward a solution without fully understanding its impact?”

In July 2025, the EC confirmed the consultation, open until August 19, will shape a final draft for member state approval by autumn. 

Industry stakeholders, including Plastics Europe, project chemical recycling investments rising from US$3.03 billion in 2025 to US$9.3 billion by 2030. 

Yet, environmentalists urge caution, advocating for mechanical recycling’s lower environmental footprint where feasible.

The EC maintains that chemical recycling complements mechanical methods, particularly for food-grade packaging. 

However, as Vähk warned, “Without clear safeguards, we risk dressing up business-as-usual in green language.” 

The consultation’s outcome will likely set a precedent for future recycling regulations, making stakeholder input critical to balancing innovation with sustainability.

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