The Belgian plastics recycling sector is facing an existential challenge. While Europe is setting ambitious circular economy targets, the very sector responsible for achieving these goals is at risk of disappearing. The causes are structural: low prices for virgin plastics due to global overcapacity, increasing imports of cheap and insufficiently traceable recycled plastics from third countries, and high energy and labour costs in Europe.

The result is a paradox: today, there is insufficient demand for recycled plastics to keep the sector economically viable, while tomorrow an acute capacity shortage threatens to emerge. The export ban on plastic waste to non-OECD countries (21 November 2026) and the obligation to include recycled content in packaging and vehicles (PPWR/ELV from 2030) create a dangerous four-year gap, precisely at a time when the sector is already under severe pressure. Since 2023, nearly 1 million tonnes of recycling capacity have already been lost in Europe. Belgium is also facing the risk of bankruptcies and job losses.

Denuo is launching a concrete action plan based on four pillars: creating guaranteed market demand through mandatory recycled content requirements; restoring fair competition through energy compensation measures and import duties on virgin plastics; expanding sorting and recycling capacity; and building a strong lobbying coalition at Belgian and European level.

Plastic recycling is not a waste issue. It is a raw materials challenge and a strategic choice for the future of Belgian and European industry.