Europe’s manufacturers are our industrial strength. Vital to our security, prosperity and sustainability. The European Parliament must protect European industry to make our continent competitive and independent. Otherwise, our defence, jobs, and environment are at risk.
The Clean Industrial Deal cannot sit on a shelf gathering dust. It needs to be actioned, sooner rather than later.
We represent PET - a fully recyclable polymer used for water bottles and food trays. It plays a vital role across essential sectors - from safeguarding food quality and preventing food waste to supporting medical and pharmaceutical applications. Our value chain leverages science and technology to create sustainable, innovative packaging. It turns over 15+ billion euro and employs some 30,000 people - often in rural communities.
PET is a leading material in the drive towards circularity, but the industry faces unprecedented challenges - from rising feedstock and energy costs to a regulatory burden that is constantly changing.
European primary manufacturing stands at a crossroads. The question is, will the EU institutions support it?
Europe’s competitiveness is being eroded. A large portion of EU demand is met by imports from third countries that bypass EU standards for emissions, social security and labour while offering grants and tax-breaks which bolster their domestic industries. This has led to the closure of European production sites, job losses and reduced local production.
Europe’s PET industry fully supports the EU commitment to decarbonisation by 2050 - but we must ensure that this ambition does not also lead to the de-industrialisation of our continent. European industry needs a regulatory framework that fosters investment within its borders. One where polices are fair and applied consistently.
Instead, Europe’s primary manufacturing base is often a regulatory target. Every mandate moves the goal posts for the PET industry. In 2018 we were told all packaging must be recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2030. The industry acted, and our European PET Bottle Platform delivers world class design for recycling standards.
In 2019 we were told PET beverage bottles must have a collection rate of 77% and 25% recycled content by 2025. Our industry acted and ICIS research for 2023 confirms 75% collection and 24% recycled content across Europe. PET represents only a small portion of plastics and - thanks to the Deposit Return Schemes which industry funds - an ever-decreasing part of the plastics waste stream.
Just as we make progress on legislative targets we are told we need 10% refillable PET bottles by 2030 and an ambition for 40% by 2040. Refill is an essential part of the mix, yet the mandate came BEFORE the 2027 review of the SUP Directive targets. The Circular Economy Act promises to make 24% of materials circular by 2030. Will this target change with every mandate too?
We were told to be recyclable: we took action. We were told to be recycled: and we are – in practice and at scale. Now we must invest to meet a legislative requirement to “endeavour” for a target. You could not make this up. No wonder it is often more attractive to invest outside of the EU than within it. Surely a true single market creates regulatory certainty.
The Clean Industrial Deal has potential to strengthen Europe’s manufacturing base bringing security, prosperity and sustainability, but it needs action not words.
This European Parliament is still at the start of its mandate. We urge MEPs to prioritise the protection of European industry to ensure our continent’s ongoing competitiveness and independence in the face of an uncertain future.
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