VinylPlus Co-signs Letter From Plastics Value Chain Demanding Immediate Action to Save EU Industry
28 leading actors across the European plastics value chain address a joint letter to EU policymakers
The European plastics value chain is at a breaking point: 28 leading actors across the European plastics value chain have sounded the alarm in a joint letter addressed to EU policymakers, putting forward six strategic recommendations to combat the pressing issues suffocating the industry.
Signatories are calling for urgent measures to level the playing field. Imports must be countered by driving demand for high-quality EU-produced plastics and preventing the influx of non-compliant materials: this requires robust mirror measures on imported virgin and recycled plastics, as well as articles. In addition, it will require strengthened customs controls and targeted incentives, such as ramping up investments in infrastructure for collection, sorting, and recycling, paired with fiscal stimuli.
These strategic recommendations are crucial for the survival of Europe’s entire plastics value chain, but the window of action is closing rapidly.
We urge policymakers to act without delay to protect this vital sector and support a strong, innovative and sustainable plastics recycling value chain in Europe. Without decisive action, Europe will face irreversible damage to its industrial fabric, its leadership in driving the transition to a circular plastics economy, and its long-term global competitiveness.
The letter was sent to:
- Ms Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
- Ms Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition
- Mr Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy
- Ms Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy
- Mr Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency
- Mr Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare