RECYCLING magazine 02 / 2026

The current issue explores how the circular economy model is progressing in Europe - and where it's getting stuck. It looks at the need for clearer policies, standards and definitions (especially around plastics and microplastics) as well as practical tensions in areas such as consumer behaviour, city-level implementation, healthcare reuse, and biobased plastics. It also

Recent research highlights the complexity and interconnectedness of global sustainability challenges. Studies range from analysing long-term polymer demand and waste trends to exploring how design standards can enhance plastic recycling and how enzyme-based or chemical recycling might help transform materials recovery. Others address systemic issues — from the risks of placing export restrictions on UK

From transforming agricultural waste into sustainable textiles to revolutionising chemical recycling and financing models, the circular economy is gaining momentum - albeit not without hurdles. Across Europe and Southeast Asia, researchers, companies, and governments are rethinking waste, from plastics and steel to the participation of small businesses. As new studies highlight both progress and persistent

15 car manufacturers and the ACEA collectively have to pay around €458 million for participating in a long-lasting cartel. The tariff war is forcing nations to re-evaluate their economic and environmental priorities in the face of growing uncertainty. A study has examined whether EPR can contribute to increasing the EU's competitiveness and strategic autonomy. Even

According to Swiss scientists, excess renewable energy can be used to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and convert it to methane or methanol. Scientists have examined the role that the circular economy can play for the defence sector. The collection and recycling of post-industrial textile waste offers many opportunities. Global efforts to phase out fossil