Recycling is still seen as an important part of packaging’s circular transition, yet the business model is showing cracks. Recent closures of European recycling facilities and industry warnings about a collapse in competitiveness raise uncomfortable questions: if recycled materials can’t compete with virgin plastics, and if brands opt for cheaper imports over local recyclate, can a recycling-dependent strategy actually deliver on sustainability and circularity goals?
- The recycled price gap: Why recycled plastics struggle to compete economically—low fossil fuel prices, energy-intensive processing, quality challenges, and inconsistent supply—and whether current PCR mandates alone can bridge this competitiveness gap or if the model needs fundamental restructuring
- Supply, demand, and misaligned incentives: The disconnect between regulatory requirements for recycled content and market realities—when brands face choices between expensive local recyclate and cheaper imports, or between meeting targets and maintaining margins, what actually drives purchasing decisions and how does this impact the viability of Europe’s recycling infrastructure?
Plenary
What to expect from this type of session...
Hear from expert speakers on these mainstage panel discussions as we address the critical sustainability challenges and opportunities within the industry.
