Michael Brunn

Behind the rhetoric of "simplification" for "competitiveness" lies a deregulatory agenda: a tsunami of Omnibus packages to cut rules for certain businesses, hailed as an €8 billion saving. Yet the Commission's own review shows that failing to implement existing EU environmental law already costs €180 billion every year.

The European Parliament's plenary vote on its position on the proposed End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation (ELVR) marks an important step in advancing the circularity of the automotive sector. However, FEAD warns that certain requirements risk undermining the Regulation's ability to deliver on its objectives.

Today the European Parliament voted on two crucial laws: one to tackle food and textile waste, and another to reduce the environmental footprint of vehicles from design to disposal.

Current recycling processes are inadequate for removing these odorous substances, which have migrated into the material during the product's life cycle.  A multi-stage treatment is required to eliminate these odours sufficiently, allowing the pellets to be processed into high-quality end products for applications in industries such as packaging, automotive, and consumer goods.

But the impact goes beyond recycling. In 2023, European plastics production dropped by 8.3%, while the global market share has shrunk from 22% in 2006 to 12% today. This is not only a threat to the competitiveness of Europe's industry, but also its ability to meet circular economy and climate goals.

Olatz has over six years of professional experience working in close contact with the European institutions, with a special focus on policy analysis, legal research and strategic advocacy.

Incorporating new undercarriage, arm and boom, elevating cab and counterweight designs, the new DX270WMH-7 is built to offer next level performance for the toughest tasks across a wide range of material sorting and handling applications. The latter include the handling of scrap metal and other solid waste, as well as those in recycling, demolition and the timber industry.

This is leading to a decrease in production and recycling capacity, compromising the survival of this strategic sector.

Metal recycling is central to resource security and climate neutrality. To support operators, recycling professionals and decision-makers with knowledge worldwide, Steinert is launching the Metal Recycling Keynote. This new 45-minute online format provides concise, structured insight into three essential technology areas as ZORBA, Aluminium and Steel scrap.

The report explores the economic impact on the UK scrap steel sector as the steel industry transitions to low-carbon electric arc furnaces (EAF), which is set to significantly increase domestic demand for British scrap steel. It finds that an export ban to non-OECD countries would lead to nearly £5bn lost in GVA and costing over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs.