PCEP calls for a circular economy focused recovery

The Polyolefin Circular Economy Platform (PCEP) has called for investment decisions taken by Member States, the EU and all economic actors, as part of the EU recovery package to be focused on delivering the circular economy.

Mark Vester, Chairman of PCEP, said: “Our members remain fully committed to the transition to a circular  economy for polyolefins, with all the activity across the value chain that this entails.

Maintaining healthy waste management and recycling sectors are critical stepping stones towards a more circular plastics value chain. We need to invest in forward looking infrastructure that will accelerate the transition to circularity.”

Market developments caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and hampered by the low price of virgin materials and low oil prices, are putting real pressure on business continuity for many actors in the polyolefin value chain. PCEP believes that as we look at how to build Europe’s recovery we must continue to look at all actions needed to build a sustainable circular economy with an equal playing field for all materials. Investment today in recycling technologies, and better collection and sorting infrastructure, is vital. Any loss of current and future capacity at these key points could slow down the transition to the circular economy.

Venetia Spencer, PCEP Secretary General said “Now, more than ever, we all need to work together to deliver the circular economy. Working collaboratively on enhancing business at every step of the value chain is the only way to create conditions for a more sustainable polyolefin industry. At PCEP we are
committed to the transformation to a circular economy by designing out waste, keeping products and materials in use, and increasing the volumes of recycled polyolefins into high-quality new raw materials.

Europe is a global leader in the circular transition and we must stand by our convictions in our recovery investment choices.”

The Polyolefin Circular Economy Platform (PCEP) is a forum for all organisations and stakeholders in the polyolefin value chain to
exchange ideas, showcase projects and work together to maximise innovation and value, so advancing the circular economy.

PCEP is committed to transforming from a linear to a circular economy based on three principles: designing out waste; keeping products and materials in use; and recycling into high-quality new raw materials.