Finally – a European preference for recycled content in bottles! Last week also brought new rules banning the destruction of unsold textiles, as EU leaders debated competitiveness and energy prices…read on for what it means for Europe’s waste management sector!
Member States endorse chemical recycling rules for bottles: On 6 February, the Commission adopted an implementing act under the Single-Use Plastics Directive, introducing a harmonised calculation method for chemically recycled PET and a temporary preference for meeting recycled-content targets with EU recyclates until November 2027. FEAD expressed that the vote is an important step to secure demand for European recyclates, while stressing the need for complementarity between mechanical and chemical recycling, and for strong transparency and traceability requirements to safeguard consumer trust.
Commission adopts ban on destruction of unsold textiles: On 9 February, the Commission published delegated and implementing acts under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, further clarifying the implementation of the destruction ban for certain unsold goods, as announced in its official communication.
Antwerp industry summit increases pressure around ETS and regulatory burden: On 11 February, industry leaders issued a renewed Antwerp industrial call, complementing the earlier Antwerp Declaration, arguing that high energy, electricity, and carbon costs are undermining European competitiveness. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen defended the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and urged Member States to dedicate a greater share of ETS revenues to industrial decarbonisation. Von der Leyen also warned in her keynote that ‘there is too much gold-plating’ at national level.
EU leaders debate energy prices, competitiveness and ETS reform at Alden Biesen retreat: On 12 February, EU leaders met in Alden Biesen for an informal retreat focused on competitiveness, as outlined in an EPRS briefing. Discussions centred on energy prices, single market integration and ETS reform. Ahead of the retreat Austria, Czechia and Slovakia issued a joint statement calling for a ‘climate omnibus’.
Industrial permitting coalition formed in Brussels: On 12 February, eighteen organisations from raw materials, energy and waste-to-energy sectors formed an ‘Informal Coalition on Permitting’ and issued a joint statement.
Commission launches SME survey on Circular Economy Act: On 6 February, the Commission launched an SME survey following its earlier call for evidence and targeted consultations.
Climate target 2040 formally approved by Parliament: On 10 February, the European Parliament approved the EU’s binding 2040 climate target of a 90% net emissions reduction compared to 1990, allowing limited use of international carbon credits from 2036 and postponing ETS2 to 2028.
Pierfrancesco Maran confirmed as ENVI Chair: On 9 February, Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D, Italy) was elected Chair of the European Parliament’s Environment Committee.
Commission opens consultation on post-2030 climate framework: On 9 February, the Commission opened a consultation on revising national targets and flexibilities under the Effort Sharing and LULUCF Regulations.
Commission consults on legal framework for international carbon credits: On 9 February, the Commission launched a consultation on the legal framework for the possible use of international carbon credits towards the 2040 EU climate target.
Assessment of environmental administrative costs and the potential for simplification: The materials from the last webinar of the ongoing study regarding environmental administrative costs and simplification have been made available on the study website.
