The European Commission has launched a public consultation on new regulations on the use of chemically recycled content in plastic bottles. On July 8, 2025, it was announced that important steps will be taken to increase the recycling rates of plastic bottles in line with the European Union’s (EU) environmental sustainability objectives. By encouraging the use of chemical recycling methods in plastic bottles, these new rules aim to ensure that Europe’s plastic waste is recycled more efficiently.
Chemical recycling is a method of processing the complex waste of plastics that cannot be solved by existing technology. With this new regulation, the EU aims to make a certain content mandatory for the use of chemically recycled plastics in bottles. Given that current plastic recycling methods may not be sufficient, especially for complex types of plastics, chemical recycling is even more important. With these rules, it is envisaged that the recycled content to be used in bottles will be a certain percentage during plastic production.
The Commission also aims to reduce environmental impact through more efficient processing of plastic waste in Europe and less new plastic production. The new rules are expected to start a transformation process for plastic producers. However, it is emphasized that technological investments should be increased to make chemical recycling more efficient.
For the plastics industry in Europe, especially for bottle manufacturers, these new regulations could be a game changer. The new rules will encourage plastics producers to use recycled materials, while also helping to raise consumer awareness of recycling. The Commission has launched an open consultation process with industry stakeholders and the public to ensure that chemical recycling develops rapidly.
This will play a critical role in achieving the EU’s circular economy goals. By paving the way for chemical recycling, the EU is expected to significantly increase the recycling rate of plastic waste and reduce environmental impacts. These regulations are an important part of the new strategies planned to come into force in 2025.
For more information: Environment news
