More than 100 signatories from across the plastics supply chain have signed a declaration that commits to using 10 million tonnes of recycled plastic in European Union manufacturing by 2025.
The declaration falls under the Circular Plastics Alliance, which was launched by the European Commission in December 2018 to promote a sustainable recycled plastics market, via voluntary actions.
The declaration outlines how the alliance will reach the 10 million-tonne target, as set by the European Commission’s 2018 Plastics Strategy.
Strategy action points include improving the design of plastic products to make them more recyclable, and identifying investment gaps and untapped potential for plastic waste collection, sorting and recycling.
Additionally, signatories will work towards building a research and development agenda for circular plastics, and establish a transparent and reliable monitoring systems to track the flow of plastic waste.
Circular Plastics Alliance First Vice-President Frans Timmermans, who is responsible for sustainable development, said he welcomed industry’s commitment to rethinking the way it produces and uses plastic.
“By efficiently recycling plastics, we will clean up the planet and fight climate change, by substituting fossil fuels with plastic waste in the production cycle,” Mr Timmermans said.
Circular Plastics Alliance Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska, who is responsible for internal market, industry and entrepreneurship, said there was potential to make European industry a world leader in recycled plastics.
“We should fully seize it to protect the environment, create new jobs in this sector and remain competitive,” Mr Timmermans said.
The declaration will remain open for more signatories to join over time.
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