Low-priced imports put pressure on European engineering recyclate prices
2026.08.20 - 09:06
• Competitively priced imports are adding further pressure to the European engineering recyclates market. • The market continues the difficult conditions observed during the summer months. • Demand recovery following the holiday season is expected to be slow. • PIE expects only limited price changes over the coming weeks. • For European recyclers, competition from imports adds another challenge to an already weak demand environment.
The European engineering recyclates market remains under pressure in August, with competitively priced imports becoming an increasingly important factor influencing market conditions. According to the latest market report from Plastics Information Europe (PIE), favourably priced imported material is putting additional pressure on European recyclate prices. The development follows an already difficult period for the sector. During July, weak demand and ample material availability limited recyclers’ ability to maintain prices, while lower prices for some virgin polymers encouraged processors to reconsider the use of recyclates in applications where recycled content is not mandatory. Competitive imports are now adding another dimension to this pressure. For European recyclers, the challenge is therefore no longer limited to weak demand. Price competitiveness is becoming increasingly important in a market where processors can compare European-produced recyclates not only with virgin alternatives, but also with recycled materials sourced from outside Europe. At the same time, the end of the European holiday season is unlikely to bring an immediate rebound in consumption. PIE indicates that a strong recovery in demand could take time and expects little change in market conditions over the next few weeks. For processors, the current environment may provide additional sourcing and negotiating opportunities. For European recyclers, however, competitive pressure is increasing, making consistent quality, material traceability, technical specifications and the ability to supply products tailored to industrial applications increasingly important. The August development therefore suggests that the European engineering recyclates market has not yet emerged from the weakness seen during the summer Source: Plastics Information Europe (PIE), 18 August 2026