Michael Brunn

There is no shortage of scrap in Europe. The numbers prove it. 80% of recycled steel stays in the EU, and the 20% exported is surplus: not leakage.The claim of "scrap leakage" is a false narrative. The real problem is Europe's failure to create demand for its own recycled materials and address high energy prices. Restricting exports won't fix the steel industry — but it will break European recycling. We've seen this mistake before. Countries that imposed export restrictions without securing demand saw their recycling industries collapse. In Europe, plastic recyclers are in crisis because trade restrictions were introduced before local demand was in place. Do we want to repeat this failure with metals? The Action Plan correctly recognises the need for strong demand for recycled metals, but its timeline is flawed. It proposes export restrictions in 2025, then considers increasing demand in 2026 - the opposite of what's needed. The EU must first stimulate demand for circular materials in metal manufacturing, and only then consider if trade additional restrictions are necessary alongside the ones from the revised Waste Shipment Regulation. This is especially important because recycled materials are highly diverse, and for certain grades, there is no demand in Europe now, or in the foreseeable future, simply because the market for these products doesn't exist. A careful impact assessment is essential before considering potentially catastrophic measures. EuRIC remains committed to closely working with policymakers, industrial value chains, and civil society to shape measures that promote a truly circular, competitive, and low-carbon agenda for steel and metals.  "The Commission's Steel and Metals Action Plan is a chance to set the record straight and address the real causes behind the steel crisis. Any discussions on exports are a distraction. You cannot force recyclers to keep surplus recycled materials in Europe if there is no one to buy them", said Julia Ettinger, EuRIC's Secretary General. "What will be the result of that? A collapse of the European recycling industry, more landfill, more value destruction, and fewer jobs.''

The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), despite its shortcomings, can support national and local governments in curbing Europe's out-of-control packaging crisis, a report published today by the Rethink Plastic alliance shows.

Scaling up sustainable and biodegradable materials is crucial for the future advancement of European industry. Currently, many bio-based alternatives struggle to compete with established fossil-based chemicals due to challenges in environmental, economic, and societal performance. To overcome this, NEXT-STEP aims to develop recyclable products from wood production residues for everyday applications. New biochemical materials will be developed for shoe soles and insulation materials for construction.

Researchers and industry professionals are invited to share their latest achievements by submitting abstracts by 31 July 2025 and present groundbreaking work to a global audience of recycling experts. Abstract submission is open.

The circular economy is a key component of a sustainable future. The technology transfer project "TechCirclePolymers" at the Institute for Circular Economy of Bio:Polymers (ibp) at Hof University of Applied Sciences addresses exactly this challenge. The project aims to improve the recycling of plastics and biopolymers, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and replacing fossil-based raw materials with natural alternatives. A particular focus is on increasing recyclability and extending the lifespan of products.

Today, the Commission takes action to maintain and expand European industrial capacities in the steel and metals sectors. The Action Plan on Steel and Metals is designed to strengthen the sector's competitiveness and safeguard the industry's future.

The British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) has today announced the launch of its Metals Recycling Fire Prevention Sector Specific Guidance.

Founded in the late 1970s, J. Obermeier provides a broad range of earthworks, demolition, civil engineering and haulage services throughout the greater Freising and Munich areas from its base of operations in Abersberg.

The report, "Parallel realities: Managing plastic packaging waste in Bulgaria beyond official statistics", reveals significant discrepancies in waste data reporting across Bulgarian institutions.

Entrants were invited to submit a 60-90 second video demonstrating innovative ideas to promote recycling, sustainability, educational awareness or waste reduction in their community, school, or business.