65% of plastic packaging could be recyclable by 2025, according to a new study.
Plastics
The study, conducted by Plastics Recyclers Europe, shows that this target is achievable by 2025 if imposed measures are acted upon in Europe.
The study highlights measures that would improve the quality and capacity for sorting plastic packaging waste across the EU. Additional measures, such as Design for Recycling focus on increasing the recyclability of plastics packaging on the market and reducing sorting and recycling costs.
If these measures are imposed then the quality of recycled products could increase and consumers could gain confidence in recycled products. Complementing these measures is strong communication across the plastics value chain and a legislative push to enable a higher uptake of recycled materials.
Increased recycling rates could also reduce CO emissions and create 115,400 extra jobs and inject €1 billion into economic benefits.
The study includes data and consultations with industry experts on how to achieve the current target rate of 55% with the 65% rate being achievable if extra-EU exports are included.
The EU should have uniformed recycling standards, the report suggests, to ensure a level playing field for stakeholders and to enable an increase in industry performance. Incentives would be provided through financial means favouring recyclable products.
More so, the importance of improved collection schemes is highlighted to increase the quality of any recycled plastics. Member states should also work towards limiting and potentially banning landfill operations.