EuRIC represents a significant voice for the recycling industry in Europe. Could you elaborate on the Confederation's key priorities for 2025 and beyond?

Over the last decade, EuRIC has made great strides as a relatively young organisation advocating for recycling. With the EU's recent political cycle kicking off, we have outlined our priorities for the next five years. The previous cycle, shaped by the European Green Deal, introduced several impactful initiatives. The focus now is on implementing these ideas into actionable results. 

In the past five years, there has been a significant shift towards requiring recycled content in legislation, including the Single-Use Plastics Directive and rules for batteries, packaging, and end-of-life vehicles. Over the next few years, our focus will be to push for expanded recycled content targets while advocating for reduced administrative burdens, especially since the recycling sector is predominantly composed of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

One of our key priorities moving forward is to keep up the momentum in developing innovative technologies to support the industry.

The upcoming electronic processes for intra-EU waste shipments will replace outdated paper-based systems. We simply cannot function effectively in the 21st century with paper annexes and documents. Moving towards digital solutions is absolutely crucial for progress.

I also believe technology will play a significant role in shaping the future of recycling. For instance, we recently discussed AI-based sorting technologies, which I think are vital for improving efficiency and advancing the industry. 

What are the major policy changes or proposals at the EU level that EuRIC is advocating for, especially regarding waste and recycling legislation?

The European Union has already introduced significant policy changes, starting with the Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan. Some legislation, like the EU Waste Shipment Regulation, is finalised, while others, such as the Packaging Regulation and End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation, remain under discussion. A key upcoming revision is the directive for e-waste, known as the WEEE Directive, which may transition from a directive to a regulation. This transition is significant because regulations require uniform implementation across the EU, unlike directives, which allow member states some flexibility in execution.

The Eco-Design Regulation is another transformative policy, mandating products to be designed with recycling, durability, and recycled content in mind. Though still in its early stages, it promises to drive long-term sustainability in product design. 

With the European Green Deal and Fit for 55 package shaping Europe's sustainability agenda, what challenges do recyclers face in aligning with these objectives?

Recycling is at the core of decarbonisation, particularly in sectors like steel, where using recycled materials significantly reduces CO2 emissions. This presents an opportunity for recyclers to lead the charge in supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. However, challenges persist. SMEs in the recycling industry face growing administrative hurdles, often stemming from complex legislation. This could lead to market consolidation, sidelining smaller players. To address these challenges, we need targeted financial support, exemptions for SMEs, and transparent systems that simplify compliance. 

The due diligence law, which mandates transparency across the value chain, is vital for understanding product composition and origins. However, this transparency requires recyclers to rely on producers for detailed information—such as the materials used, sourcing methods, and manufacturing history. Clear rules are essential to manage these complexities.

What are the key market challenges that recycling industries in Europe are currently facing, particularly regarding fluctuating demand and regulatory compliance?

Let me zoom in on one specific stream to illustrate the issue, and plastics recycling serves as an excellent example. The plastics recycling industry in Europe is currently under significant pressure. This stems from a combination of factors including export restrictions and import competition. There will soon be  an export ban for recycled plastics leaving Europe, which means all recycled materials must remain within the EU. At the same time, there are no restrictions on recycled plastics entering the EU from other regions. 

This situation creates a challenging environment for European recyclers. They are forced to operate within a limited market while competing against virgin plastics and lower-cost recycled plastics imported from outside the EU. As a result, the industry is being squeezed on multiple fronts. Additionally, the EU Waste Shipment Regulation introduces further market hurdles, restricting the movement of other recycled commodities. However, plastics recycling is particularly noteworthy due to its pronounced challenges and the critical role it plays in the circular economy. Addressing these challenges requires balanced policies that support local recyclers while fostering fair competition globally. 

How does EuRIC collaborate with global organisations to address cross-border recycling issues, such as waste exports, or harmonised standards?

The recycling industry is inherently international, and addressing its challenges requires collective effort. As a sector, we cannot operate in isolation. Events such as the international conferences organised by the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) and the Bureau of Middle East Recycling (BMR) are crucial for fostering collaboration. These gatherings allow industry members to share best practices, discuss regional challenges, and learn from one another’s experiences.

Policies such as the Waste Shipment Regulation, the Deforestation Law, and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism originate in Europe but influence the global recycling landscape.

By engaging with allies in the Middle East, India, and the US, European representatives can share insights into these regulations, ensuring a broader understanding of their intent and implementation. Such dialogues are vital for harmonising global efforts and addressing the interconnected challenges of the recycling sector.