Plastics Production In Europe Falls By 8 Percent As Imports Take Bigger Market Share

Manufacturers are voicing concerns about Europe’s declining competitiveness, which is jeopardizing the EU’s shift towards a circular system with increased use of recycled plastics. Plastics Europe, representing a significant portion of the industry, reported a decrease in total plastics production and a drop in mechanically recycled plastics output. The influx of cheap plastic imports from other regions is undercutting European producers, leading to market share losses. The European Commission’s Circular Plastics Alliance aims to boost the EU market for recycled plastics, but challenges persist due to imported plastics not meeting EU standards. Despite the ban on certain single-use plastics in the EU, the transition to a circular plastics system is at risk due to the impact of imported plastics on European manufacturing plants. Urgent policy interventions are needed to enhance competitiveness and support investments in circularity. The recent reports by business leaders and policymakers highlight the pressing need for action to revive the business case for European investments and address regulatory hurdles hindering innovation and growth. Plastics Europe remains committed to advancing towards circularity goals but emphasizes the importance of creating a favorable environment for investments in circular plastic production. The future of Europe’s plastics industry and its transition journey towards sustainability depend on immediate and decisive actions from policymakers and stakeholders. Please rewrite this sentence.

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