Plastics are central to Europe’s industrial base and daily life—but they also present one of the continent’s most pressing environmental challenges. As Europe strives to meet its goals, the European Chemical Regions Network (ECRN) urges decision-makers to unlock the full potential of plastic recycling by embracing both mechanical and chemical solutions, strengthening local infrastructure, and empowering regional and SME actors.

In this new position paper, ECRN highlights the urgent need for:

• Clear, harmonised policy frameworks for both mechanical and chemical recycling.

• Tailored support for SMEs, which are at the core of Europe’s chemical sector and often face resource barriers in adopting circular technologies.

• Integrated investment in collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructure, leveraging AI and sensor-based systems.

• Updated standards and design-for-recycling guidelines that align with the rise of new materials such as bio-based and biodegradable plastics.

Regions, with their ability to link local value chains and mobilise public-private partnerships, are uniquely placed to drive change. By facilitating pilot projects, living labs, and interregional collaboration, regional authorities can help scale up circular practices on the ground.

ECRN also underscores the importance of aligning additive regulation, mass balance accounting, and recycled-content targets, alongside finalising EU definitions for chemical recycling outputs.

This paper outlines a coherent, cross-sector strategy to close the loop on plastics—from product design to end-of-life management—and calls on EU institutions to translate ambition into action.

Read the full ECRN position paper here: Advancing plastic recycling in Europe