Aluminium scrap leakage and rising recycling plant closures concerns in Brussels this week – here’s a quick look at the latest developments!
Commission preparing new measure on aluminium scrap leakage: On 18 November, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič announced at the European Aluminium Summit that the Commission is launching preparatory work on a new measure to address aluminium-scrap leakage.
Plastic recycling sees sharp rise in plant closures: New figures from Plastics Recyclers Europe show closures equivalent to 300 kilotonnes of capacity in 2024, up
from 135 kilotonnes in 2023.
Proposing amendments to green finance disclosure rules: On 20 November, the Commission proposed amendments to the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), the 2019 law governing financial products with environmental or social objectives. The Commission notes that the existing rules have often been treated as a de facto sustainability label, creating ‘confusion’ among retail investors and raising greenwashing risks.
EU off-track for 2030 circular economy target: Eurostat data published on 19 November show the EU’s material circularity rate reached a record 12.2% in 2024, only 0.1 points higher than in 2023 and 1 point above 2015.
NGOs call for dual legal basis in the Circular Economy Act: More than fifty organisations sent a joint letter on 18 November, urging the Commission to base the Circular Economy Act on both Article 114 and Article 192 of the TFEU.
Commission reviews recycling technologies for packaging: On 18 November, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) launched a consultation on mechanical, physical and chemical recycling technologies for plastic packaging, open until 12 January 2026, to support the development of the delegated acts to implement Article 7 of the Packaging Regulation.
Czech Republic asks Commission to assess wastewater EPR impacts on health systems: Ahead of the 2 December meeting of European health ministers, the Czech Republic requested on 18 November that the Commission assess the financial consequences of introducing extended producer responsibility for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
ECHA recommends tightening authorisation rules for high-risk substances: On 18 November, the European Chemicals Agency proposed adding four substances to the list of products banned by default, including melamine, for which companies must apply for prior authorisation to use them.
