,On 23 December 2025, the European Commission published a draft implementing regulation establishing harmonized criteria to determine when plastic waste ceases to be waste and qualifies as a product, known as plastic recyclate. The proposal aims to strengthen the EU single market for secondary raw materials, reduce administrative burdens for recyclers, and support circular economy objectives by ensuring a reliable supply of high-quality recycled plastics. The draft is open for public feedback until 26 January 2026 and is planned to apply from 1 July 2026. The draft regulation sets detailed conditions covering the entire recycling chain for thermoplastic polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) processed through mechanical or solvent-based recycling. Only non-hazardous plastic waste may be used as input, with specific exclusions such as most healthcare waste and used absorbent hygiene products. Recycling operations must ensure compliance with EU chemicals legislation, including REACH and rules on persistent organic pollutants. To qualify as end-of-waste, the output plastic must meet strict quality thresholds, including a maximum of 1.9% foreign materials by moisture-free weight. Additional restrictions apply to exports outside the EU, requiring recyclates to consist of a single thermoplastic polymer, with limited exceptions for PE, PP, and PET mixtures. The recyclate must also be non-hazardous and comply with all applicable substance restrictions. Compliance is ensured through mandatory quality management systems verified every three years and the issuance of a Statement of Conformity for each consignment, which must accompany the material along the supply chain.
Consult
