European recyclers have called for the introduction of a “Made in Europe” preference that prioritizes EU-produced materials, particularly recycled materials, as a core pillar of Europe’s industrial and economic strategy.
According to Recycling Europe (formerly EURIC), such a policy would support the European Union’s objectives under the Clean Industrial Deal, including achieving a 24 percent Circular Material Use Rate, strengthening access to strategic raw materials, and reinforcing industrial competitiveness.
The organization emphasized that recycled materials are inherently “Made in Europe”, as they originate from waste collected, sorted, and processed within the EU. Maria Vera Duran, policy director at Recycling Europe, said formally recognizing this reality would provide a powerful and practical tool to enhance industrial resilience and circularity.
Rather than restrictive trade measures, Recycling Europe advocates targeted incentives to stimulate demand for recycled materials and avoid market distortions. These incentives could be integrated into upcoming EU initiatives such as the Industrial Accelerator Act, the revision of EU public procurement rules, and the planned Circular Economy Act.
The group also highlighted that recycled materials carry significantly lower carbon footprints than primary raw materials, making them essential to decarbonization efforts, supply security, and long-term industrial sustainability. Simplifying EU regulatory frameworks was cited as a key requirement for unlocking circular value chains and expanding market access.
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