Mandated recycled content targets in the European Union will drive a massive uptick in demand for recycled plastics, according to a new study.Driven by the implementation of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and upcoming legislation in other sectors, the study forecasts a sharp increase in demand for recycled content, particularly for polyethylene (rPE), polypropylene (rPP), and polyethylene terephthalate (rPET). By 2030, EU producers will require approximately 5.4 million tonnes/year of rPE, rPP, and rPET to meet mandated minimum recycled content targets. This figure is expected to more than double to 11.5 million tonnes/year by 2040, driven by regulation across packaging, automotive, and fibre applications.The study sheds light on the impacts of the European Union’s circularity regulation on global demand for recycled plastics, generally and China’s chemical industries, in particular, with key implications across packaging, automotive, and textiles. It was commissioned by Independent Commodity Intelligence Services (ICIS), a source of commodity intelligence, and China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Association (CPCIA), a national organization representing China’s petroleum and chemical industries.Due to limitations in mechanical recycling – especially for food-safe and performance-sensitive applications – chemical recycling will be essential to meet the required volumes of recycled polyolefins for packaging.The interconnected nature of trade means EU regulations will influence global supply chains. Exporters placing goods in the EU market must comply with recycled content requirements, impacting sourcing strategies and boosting demand for certified recycled materials globally.“This study shows that EU circularity regulation is no longer just a regional policy; it’s becoming a global market force, shaping industrial strategies and supply chains worldwide,” said Helen McGeough, global analyst team lead, plastics recycling, at ICIS. “China’s proactive response may prove pivotal in narrowing the gap between domestic and international standards and accelerating the global transition to a circular economy.” (ICE TORONTO)

Fonte notizia: https://wasterecyclingmag.ca/