In the European Commission’s latest publication, new draft rules have been put forward to standardize how companies calculate, verify and report chemically-recycled content in single-use plastic beverage bottles. This initiative is part of the EU’s push to achieve strict recycled content targets under the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD), which demands 25 % recycled PET in plastic bottles by this year and 30 % in all single-use beverage bottles by 2030.
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Supporting New Recycling Technologies
Mechanical recycling remains the main method for recycling plastic in the EU because it uses less energy and produces less pollution. However, it cannot always meet the high quality needed for items such as food packaging. In these cases, chemical recycling provides an important alternative.
By setting clear rules for chemical recycling, the Commission hopes to encourage investment in this technology, reduce landfill waste and strengthen the EU’s chemical industry.
Clear Rules and Checks
The new rules make sure only plastic waste that is genuinely turned back into new materials counts as recycled content. Any waste used for fuel or energy recovery will not count, aligning with the Waste Framework Directive.
Companies will need annual third-party checks for the most complex stages of the process. Small and medium-sized businesses will have a lighter burden, with verification every three years. Companies must also check their suppliers’ declarations, while national authorities will carry out risk-based inspections.
Other Sectors and Next Steps
This is the first time the EU has proposed detailed rules for chemically-recycled content. The same approach could be extended to other sectors in future, including packaging, cars and textiles. This aims to give investors more confidence that chemical recycling has a stable future in Europe.
Stakeholders can submit feedback on the draft rules through the EU’s Have Your Say portal until 19 August 2025. The Commission plans to present the final draft to Member States for a vote, with adoption expected in autumn 2025.
Conclusion
The EU’s new rules for chemically-recycled plastic aim to boost recycling rates, cut waste and strengthen Europe’s position as a leader in sustainable plastics. By combining clear standards with fair checks, the Commission wants to make sure more plastic is reused instead of ending up in landfills or incinerators, helping Europe this way to move towards a more circular economy.
