In this paper, Recycling Europe sets out a series of recommendations to strengthen the implementation of the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) and to support forthcoming legislation aimed at advancing the circular economy for plastics:

• Strengthen 2030 PET Targets: Increase the mandatory recycled content in PET bottles to 50% rPET
  to accelerate the transition towards a circular plastics economy.
• Short-Term Demand Measures: Introduce a bonus system for recycled content exceeding 25% and
  implement safeguard measures on imported virgin PET to protect EU operators from unfair
  competition.
• Robust Enforcement and Penalties: Ensure that penalties for non-compliance exceed the economic
  advantage of non-compliance, thereby reinforcing legislative integrity and incentivising investment
  in recycled materials.
• Prioritisation of Recycling Technologies: Promote recycling technologies based on their carbon
  footprint and environmental performance to ensure efficient achievement of recycled content
  obligations.
• EU-Origin Recycled Materials: Support the use of recycled plastics derived from EU-collected and
  recycled waste, reducing dependence on imports and strengthening the internal recycling market.
• Mirror Clauses and Import Compliance: Ensure rigorous enforcement of mirror clauses for non-EU
  recyclers through on-site audits, random border checks, and harmonized sanctions, guaranteeing
  that imported plastics comply with EU environmental and quality standards