EU sets new rules for recycled content in plastic bottles

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The European Commission has introduced new rules that will improve how recycled content is measured and reported in single-use plastic bottles made mainly from polyethene terephthalate (PET)

The new rules, the Commission’s plastics package, adopted in December 2025, are designed to support greater transparency, encourage investment in recycling and help the European Union move towards a more circular economy.

The rules establish, for the first time, a common methodology for calculating, verifying and reporting chemically recycled content in PET bottles. By creating a single system that applies across the EU, the Commission hopes to provide certainty for manufacturers, recyclers and investors while ensuring recycled content claims are consistent and reliable.

Clearer standards for recycled plastics

The new framework applies to all recognised recycling technologies, including both mechanical and chemical recycling. This means companies using different recycling methods will follow the same approach when determining how much recycled material is included in new plastic bottles.

The Commission believes the harmonised methodology will create a level playing field across the recycling industry by ensuring recycled content is measured using transparent and verifiable standards. It is also expected to support Member States as they work towards the recycled-content targets set out in the Single-Use Plastics Directive.

The introduction of common rules is intended to strengthen confidence across the supply chain and encourage continued investment in recycling technologies that increase the availability of recycled plastics for manufacturing.

Chemical recycling to complement existing methods

Mechanical recycling remains the main method of plastic recycling across Europe. The process generally involves collecting, sorting, cleaning, shredding and remoulding plastic into new products. It has become the backbone of current recycling systems and is expected to continue playing a leading role.

However, mechanical recycling is not suitable for every type of plastic waste. Materials contaminated with food residues, mixed plastics or certain additives can be difficult or impossible to recycle using conventional methods because they reduce the quality of the recycled material.

Chemical recycling offers an additional solution for these more challenging waste streams. Rather than reshaping existing plastic, the process breaks plastics down into smaller molecules that can be used as raw materials for producing new plastics or other chemical products.

This approach allows plastic waste that would otherwise be difficult to recycle to remain within the circular economy. It is particularly important for applications that require high-quality recycled materials, such as food-contact packaging.

Phased approach to recognising recycled material

The Commission will introduce the new recognition system in stages. Initially, only recycled plastic originating from the European Union and European Economic Area will count towards EU recycled-content targets, as compliance with environmental standards can be fully verified.

From 21 November 2027, recycled plastic sourced from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries will also qualify, unless specific countries are excluded under the Waste Shipment Regulation.

Material from non-OECD countries may also become eligible where agreements are in place to ensure environmental protection and human health standards are equivalent to those required under EU legislation, including the Waste Framework Directive and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.

By introducing clear reporting standards and a phased recognition system, the Commission aims to strengthen confidence in recycled plastics, support higher recycling rates, and accelerate Europe’s transition towards a more sustainable plastics economy.

Courtesy: www.openaccessgovernment.org