Plastic may not be great for the environment, but we are still largely reliant on it. Ensuring that it is used as efficiently as possible is therefore crucial.

Effective plastics recycling will contribute to a circular, carbon-neutral economy in Europe. This will require cooperation between the various links in the value chain and a coherent, enforced legislative framework. 

In a manifesto published in December 2023, Plastics Recyclers Europe have set out the roadmap for achieving this. It's structured around accelerating the transition to circular plastics, combating greenwashing, staying globally competitive, bolstering sustainable financing and fostering science-based solutions.

Perfecting plastic waste collection and maximising secondary raw materials cannot be optional: we need a genuine plastics loop.