The path to circularity in Europe: recognising the value of waste

 

There is widespread consensus that we urgently need to reassess our relationship with plastics. High-profile organisations such as the UN’s Conference of the Parties (COP) and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation consistently highlight this issue, but progress to date has been slow. Even in Europe, which has led the way on initiatives to support the circular economy, plastics consumption is continuing to grow and recycling rates have yet to show rapid expansion.

The plastics supply chain is adapting to become more circular, but the packaging industry lacks the volume and quality of recycled plastic it needs to meet fast-approaching EU targets for recycled content. Achieving plastics circularity requires a fundamental rethink in our approach to plastic waste. Only by recognising the value of plastic waste will recycling become established as the most advantageous end-of-life solution for it.