BPF Statement to Members on the EU Circular Economy Package

The European Commission recently issued a communication entitled, “Towards a circular economy: A zero waste programme for Europe” alongside a legislative proposal for a revision of current recycling targets. The legislative proposals refer mainly to the Waste Framework Directive, the Landfill Directive and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive.

The BPF is a strong advocate of policies which lead to increased resource efficiency and reduced carbon footprint and wholeheartedly support the European Commission’s proposals to end the landfilling of all recyclable waste, including plastics, in Europe. With its partners in the Plastics2020 Challenge intiative, the BPF has consistently pushed for an end to the landfilling of all recyclable and recoverable (or high calorific) waste, including plastics. Working on the example set by Member States which have already been successful in diverting waste from landfill, it is clear that a legislative decision is necessary to trigger the required investment in recycling and increases in the energy recovery of valuable resources, such as some used plastic products streams. 

The BPF is deeply concerned that there is no clearly defined roadmap to deliver the Commission’s aims. Additionally, we are also concerned by the potential for further cost burdens across the whole supply chain.  

Under the Commission’s legislative proposal, minimum recycling rates for packaging in Europe will increase to 45% by 2020 and 60% by 2025. Additionally, the Commission proposes that extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes shall bear the entire cost of waste management, resulting in product producers being obligated to cover costs over which they have no control.

A particular area for concern is the proposal to combine increased recycling targets for plastics packaging with a new calculation method, switching from an input to an output based calculation. Such a change will drive the focus even further away from quality to quantity, the likely result being an increase in exports of waste, an unwelcome prospect for proponents of a pure circular economy.

To view the Commissions proposals in full, please click here

Next steps:

• The Commission’s proposal will now be sent to the European Parliament and the Council for discussion following the summer recess.
• BPF will be represented at a stakeholder workshop, hosted by UK Government, on Thursday 31st July

For further information, please contact Sarah Plant, Public and Industrial Affairs Manager, email [email protected] or tel. +44(0)207 457 5000