Industry calls for a strong EU framework for a functioning market for secondary raw materials
The upcoming Circular Economy Act (CEA) is a unique opportunity to build a strong EU market for secondary raw materials and strengthen Europe’s circular economy. Europe cannot build a competitive circular economy on fragmented national systems. A more harmonised and enforceable framework is needed to ensure that materials can circulate across the EU, support investment in recycling infrastructure and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy.
More than 40 industry organisations have come together to call for a strong EU framework for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) - one that drives circularity, competitiveness and strategic autonomy.
Our joint statement sets out six priorities for the Circular Economy Act:
1. Establish a harmonised EU EPR framework
A directly applicable EU EPR Regulation, based on Article 114 TFEU, should reduce fragmentation, align national rules and enable a functioning EU market for secondary raw materials.
2. Ensure producer-led EPR governance
EPR should be producer-led, with producers retaining decision-making responsibility and EPR fees dedicated to waste management.
3. Make transparency the rule
Standardised, comparable data and transparent reporting across the waste chain to strengthen accountability and support more performance-based EPR systems.
4. Ring-fence EPR funds for recycling
EPR funds should be earmarked for the waste streams they finance and directed to the infrastructure needed to meet EU recycling targets.
5. Cut administrative complexity
Harmonised EPR registration and fewer unnecessary requirements would reduce barriers to cross-border compliance, particularly for SMEs and micro-enterprises.
6. Improve separate collection
Stronger separate collection and public awareness are essential to secure reliable waste streams and improve recycling outcomes.
A functioning circular economy requires more than recyclable products. It requires the systems, investment and market conditions that allow materials to be collected, recycled and used again at scale across Europe.
The Circular Economy Act is an opportunity to put these foundations in place.
Read the joint statement here.