The European plastics recycling industry is facing increasing economic pressure. Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE) warns that several recycling plants across the EU may be forced to reduce operations or even shut down due to rising costs and global market competition.

The plastics recycling industry in Europe is going through a challenging period, according to Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE), the organization representing plastic recyclers across the European Union.
According to the association, a growing number of companies in the recycling sector are reporting profitability issues, and some recycling facilities may be forced to reduce operations or even close.
Industry representatives point to several factors affecting the competitiveness of European recyclers, including high energy costs, fluctuating demand for recycled plastics, and increasing competition from recycled materials imported from outside the European Union.
According to Plastics Recyclers Europe, the current situation puts pressure on the investments made in recent years in recycling infrastructure, at a time when the European Union is trying to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy and increase the use of recycled materials across industries.
The organization emphasizes that maintaining a strong European recycling industry is essential for achieving EU objectives related to waste reduction, higher recycling rates, and increased use of recycled plastics in industrial sectors, including packaging and automotive.
In this context, industry representatives are calling for policies and measures that support the competitiveness of recycling activities in Europe and ensure a stable market for recycled plastics.