The European Commission has announced its legislative priorities for 2026 regarding the circular economy of plastics. The focus is on strengthening the market for recycled plastics, reducing dependence on virgin plastic, and harmonising rules across EU Member States.

At the beginning of 2026, the European Commission confirmed that the plastics sector will be one of the core pillars of the upcoming Circular Economy Act, a legislative package aimed at accelerating the transition from a linear to a circular economic model.

Among the measures under consideration are:

the introduction of minimum recycled content requirements for specific plastic applications;

stimulating demand for recycled plastics through economic instruments and green public procurement;

harmonising quality standards for recycled materials in order to facilitate intra-EU trade;

supporting investments in advanced recycling technologies and related infrastructure.

The Commission explicitly acknowledges that the European market for recycled plastics remains fragile, with significant differences between Member States and strong competition from virgin plastic, which is often cheaper. The new policy framework is intended to address these structural imbalances.

For the plastics and recycling industries, 2026 is shaping up to be a turning point, where compliance with new requirements will become a competitive advantage rather than merely an environmental obligation.