How the EU’s ban on single-use plastics effects how we use secondary raw materials

The European Union is planning to ban single-use plastics by 2030, and while that’s great news for the environment, it’s also going to change how we use recovered materials for production.

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The recycling industry, which takes used materials like plastic, glass, and paper and turns it into repurposed materials, is set to play a much bigger role in Europe’s future.

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Here’s what to expect.

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The impact on demand

With single-use plastics on the way out, manufacturers will need more sustainable materials to replace them. That means a growing demand for recycled paper, glass, cardboard, and even certain plastics, such as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). The shift is already pushing companies to rethink their packaging and source more eco-friendly materials with recycled content being high on the list.

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As demand grows, we will likely see more investment in recycling processes, for example, improving the quality of recycled materials, especially for things like food-safe packaging. On top of that, we’re seeing more partnerships between recyclers and packaging producers who want long-term, sustainable supply chains.

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Though there are some challenges too.

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Contamination and poor sorting can make recycled materials hard to use, especially for strict industries like food or cosmetics. Plus, not every EU country has strong recycling systems, so access to clean, high-quality recovered materials can vary a lot.

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The effects of this change

The ban is just one part of the EU’s bigger plan for a circular economy, where 'waste' is minimised and materials get reused as much as possible. New rules are coming, like mandatory recycled content in packaging and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which makes brands financially and logistically responsible for the waste their products create. This puts real pressure on companies to design packaging that’s easier to recycle, use fewer materials, and build systems for collection and reuse.

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The EU’s plastic ban is a big win for the planet, and a big turn for the recovered materials industry. With the right support and innovation, recyclers could go from being behind the scenes to leading the way in Europe’s push for sustainability.

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