EC opens consultation on chemical recycling rules for plastic bottles

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on draft rules for calculating, verifying and reporting recycled content in single-use plastic beverage bottles, marking the first EU framework to formally recognise chemical recycling alongside mechanical processes.

The consultation, running until 19 August, addresses a gap in current regulations which only recognise mechanical recycling as suitable technology for meeting the Single-Use Plastics Directive's targets of 25 per cent recycled content in PET bottles by 2025 and 30 per cent in all beverage bottles by 2030.

The draft decision proposes to establish a mass balance accounting system for chemical recycling, enabling producers to allocate recycled content to specific outputs even when molecules from recycled plastic cannot be physically traced. This follows the "fuel-use excluded" allocation rule, meaning waste used for energy recovery cannot count as recycled content under the Waste Framework Directive.

The suggested methodology covers depolymerisation, the main chemical recycling process for PET bottles, as well as pyrolysis and steam cracking technologies used for other plastic types. Industry investment in chemical recycling has surged, with Plastics Europe reporting planned investment increasing from €2.6 billion in 2025 to €8 billion by 2030, aiming to produce 2.8 million tonnes of recycled plastics annually.

Investment security for emerging technologies

The proposed rules aim to create transparency whilst minimising the admin burden on companies and governments. Annual third-party verification will be required for the most complex stages of chemical recycling value chains, with lighter requirements for small and medium-sized enterprises requiring verification every three years.

The Commission notes that mechanical recycling remains preferred due to lower environmental impact and energy efficiency, but takes the view that chemical recycling has a role in processing materials unsuitable for mechanical methods and achieving higher quality standards required for food packaging applications.

Recent EU approval of France's €500 million chemical recycling support scheme demonstrates growing institutional backing for advanced recycling technologies, with European Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera stating the funding will "contribute to the EU's objective of reaching climate neutrality by 2050 by promoting the use of existing resources".

Industry stakeholders have emphasised the importance of clear regulatory frameworks for investment decisions. ExxonMobil Europe President Philippe Ducom said that companies require "clear signals and supportive action" to justify chemical recycling investments, particularly regarding mass balance accounting systems.

Regulatory precedent for other sectors

The consultation document represents the first EU rules specifically addressing chemically recycled content, potentially serving as a template for future recycled content regulations in packaging, automotive and textile sectors. The Commission confirmed this approach is "designed to give investors confidence in the long-term stability and potential of these technologies".

Current recycling performance across Europe demonstrates the scale of challenge ahead. UK data shows only 55 per cent of plastic packaging is currently recycled, with similar rates reported across EU member states, highlighting the gap that must be closed to meet 2030 targets.

The rules form part of the Action Plan for the EU Chemicals Industry, designed to strengthen sector competitiveness whilst driving transition toward sustainable chemical production. Following stakeholder feedback, the Commission will present the final draft to the technical committee of Member States representatives for voting, with adoption planned for autumn 2025.

Companies will remain responsible for verifying business partners' self-declarations whilst national authorities conduct risk-based controls. The methodology includes provisions for the Commission to review it by 2030 to ensure continued relevance as technologies develop.