Recycling Europe calls for a "Made in the EU" preference to strenghten the circular economy

"We strongly support the call for a European Preference that puts materials 'Made in the EU' at the heart of Europe's industrial and economic strategy, while safeguarding open and unhampered markets for recycled materials", announced Recycling Europe in a statement on 02/02/2026.

According to the representative of Europe's recycling industry, a "Made in the EU" preference would help achieve the target of achieving a 24% Circular Material Use Rate, as part of the Clean Industrial Deal, as well as strengthen the EU's industrial base and secure strategic material supplies.

"All recycled materials produced by European recyclers are already 'Made in Europe', as they originate from waste collected, sorted, and reprocessed within the EU, declares Maria Vera Duran, Policy Director at Recycling Europe. Recognising this reality through a European Preference is a simple and powerful way to reinforce Europe's industrial resilience."

According to Recycling Europe, the European Preference would be a step in the right direction, but needs to be complemented with targeted incentives in the upcoming…