The European Union has effectively cut off access for recycled plastic exports from Britain under new rules that require material to be sorted and recycled within the bloc in order to count towards EU recycled content targets, according to industry representatives.
The changes, introduced this year, are the latest in a series of measures aimed at supporting European recycling and manufacturing industries, which have faced mounting pressure from lower-cost imports of virgin and recycled materials from countries including China.
The British Plastics Federation has warned that the rules will significantly impact UK recyclers by preventing recycled plastics processed in Britain from contributing to the EU’s mandatory recycled content requirements.
Responding to the development, David Gudgeon, Head of External Affairs at Reconomy, said the move highlights the need for greater support for the UK’s recycling sector.
“Whilst it is entirely understandable for the EU to focus on supporting its domestic recycling industry, which has struggled in recent years – as has the UK – due to competition from cheaper virgin materials and rising energy and operating costs, the move raises significant concerns for the UK’s plastics recycling sector.
“It underlines how the UK’s recycling sector urgently needs a long-term investment strategy that provides confidence for businesses to invest in new recycling infrastructure and processing capacity, while also stimulating domestic demand from manufacturers and packaging producers for recycled content. We urge the Government to publish the Circular Economy Growth Plan for England, which was originally expected in Autumn 2025, and set out a clear roadmap for strengthening domestic markets for recycled materials.”
Industry stakeholders have argued that the new restrictions could reduce export opportunities for British recyclers at a time when the sector is already facing challenging market conditions, including weak demand for recycled polymers, high energy costs and competition from lower-priced virgin plastics.
The development heightens the urgency in relation to any potential UK Government plans to accelerate efforts to develop a stronger domestic circular economy framework and create greater demand for recycled materials within the UK market.
Reconomy said a comprehensive investment strategy and clear policy direction would help provide businesses with the confidence needed to expand recycling infrastructure and increase processing capacity, while supporting the transition towards a more resilient domestic market for recycled plastics.
