Michael Brunn

In its 60-year history, the trade fair has rarely been as closely linked to global economic developments as it is today. Supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions have intensified the discussion on raw material availability. In this context, the circular economy is regarded as an important instrument for reducing dependency on primary raw materials. At the same time, it maintains the competitiveness of European industry.

European composites production decreased by around three percent in 2025. Total production volume declined to approximately 2,281 kilotonnes, compared with 2,351 kilotonnes in 2024. Although the market therefore continued to contract, the decline slowed compared with earlier forecasts.

The project is also intended to align recycling processes with the requirements of the forthcoming European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

The order follows the commissioning of a first washing line that has been in operation since the first quarter of 2024. With the installation of the additional line, the site's processing capacity for post-consumer PET bottles will increase to a daily output of around 200 metric tons of rPET flakes.

Two briefings published by the European Environment Agency examine the implications of the new system and identify the policy conditions required for its implementation.

The documents address vehicles, refrigerators and temperature exchange equipment, as well as small appliances and ICT products. They are intended to support manufacturers in improving the recyclability of plastic components and preparing for forthcoming European regulatory requirements.

The proposal follows recommendations set out in the report led by former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi on the future competitiveness of the European economy. The IAA introduces targeted requirements for public procurement and public funding programmes that prioritise products manufactured in the EU or with low-carbon production standards. These criteria are initially intended for selected strategic sectors, including steel, cement, aluminium, the automotive industry and net-zero technologies. The framework may later be extended to additional energy-intensive sectors such as the chemical industry.

According to the organisation, suppliers of Waste-to-Energy (WtE) technology contribute to the objectives of the Act through the development and manufacturing of equipment used in waste treatment and energy recovery.

The proposal introduces designated industrial acceleration areas and provisions for public procurement aimed at stimulating demand for lower-carbon industrial materials. Public authorities would be required to include minimum shares of low-carbon products in certain procurement processes, including 25% for steel and aluminium and 5% for concrete and mortar.

The IAA, presented on 3 March 2026, aims to support the decarbonisation of European industry. However, the current proposal does not position public procurement as a central policy instrument for accelerating the market uptake of low-carbon materials. ECOS argues that the proposed quotas for low-carbon steel and concrete are significantly below current market potential and therefore provide limited stimulus for the expansion of existing clean production technologies.