The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) foresees, notably under Articles 6 and 7, the development of sustainability criteria for recycling technologies as one of several mechanisms contributing to the achievement of its objectives. It is key that these sustainability criteria are designed to be technology-neutral and aligned with the PPWR definition of high-quality recycling (Recital 30 and Article 3(41)), ensuring that all recycling technologies, including chemical recycling technologies, are assessed based on what they deliver in practice. Cefic remains committed to supporting the Commission in developing a robust, future-proof regulatory framework that enables all recycling technologies to contribute to the EU’s circular economy and climate objectives.
Sustainability criteria should:
- Be based on a combined input- and end-use oriented approach;
- Ensure technological neutrality;
- Recognise the complementary roles of recycling technologies across different waste streams, including the contribution of chemical recycling in treating complex wastes;
- Incorporate broader circularity and resource efficiency indicators;
- Remain flexible and innovation-friendly, reflecting the nascent stage of chemical recycling, supporting industrial integration, scale-up, and continuous improvement..