EUROPEN, the organisation representing the entire supply chain of the European packaging industry, set out on Tuesday 5 February the conditions for the success of the 'High-Level Circular Plastics Alliance', which held its first meeting in Brussels on the same day.
Launched in December 2018 by the Commission, this alliance of key industrial players covering the entire value chain aims to improve the economy and quality of plastic recycling in Europe.
According to the organisation, the success of this alliance will depend on collaboration along the supply chain and policy coherence, as the ability of companies to boost the uptake of recycled content in their products will be influenced by several necessary pre-conditions, such as the availability of secondary raw materials in sufficient quantity and quality at competitive prices and the establishment of an appropriate quality framework.
In addition, the EU should strive for a genuine internal market for secondary raw materials with relevant infrastructure for sorting and reprocessing, says EUROPEN, stressing that the development of end-of-waste criteria is a pre-requisite for such a market.
The last important factor, according to the organisation, is the EU's rapid assessment of the plastic materials that can be used in packaging, in particular packaging in contact with food and beverages, while respecting hygiene and food safety. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)