Unlocking Circular Growth: A Strategic Imperative for Europe

Plastics Europe's feedback to the Circular Economy Act Public Consultation

Brussels: 06 November 2025

Plastics are integral to the European economy, serving a wide range of strategic industries such as automotive, packaging, construction, electronics, healthcare, renewable infrastructure and consumer goods. Although the European plastics value chain currently supports around 1.5 million jobs across more than 50,000 businesses, the warning signs are clear: production lines are shutting down, plants are closing, and manufacturing output in Europe continues to decline.
European plastics manufacturers are already committed to the 'Plastics Transition' roadmap to accelerate the transition to make plastics circular, drive lifecycle emissions to net zero, and foster the sustainable use of plastics. However, circularity remains a policy ambition, not a business reality.

Without urgent intervention, escalating energy costs, unsupportive legislation, and fragmented policies will continue to weaken the sector's foundations and undermine its ability to drive innovation and strategic autonomy. Read our full position below.