How can the use of recycled plastics be increased at a time when the recycling industry is facing severe economic pressure? This question was at the heart of NABU’s Circular Economy Dialogue Forum, entitled “Recycled Plastics – Where Do We Go from Here?”, held in Berlin on 14 October 2026. The event was moderated by Prof. Dr. Christian Thorun, Managing Director of ConPolicy – Institute for Consumer Policy.
Representatives from businesses, the recycling industry, trade associations and environmental organisations discussed the potential for increasing the use of recycled plastics, successful examples from industry and the political and regulatory frameworks needed to support a functioning circular economy.
Five key takeaways emerged from the presentations and discussions:
- No circular economy without demand. Many plastics recycling companies are facing severe economic difficulties, with some at risk of insolvency. Securing recycling capacity in the long term requires one thing above all: reliable demand for recycled plastics.
- Companies need to prepare now for the requirements taking effect in 2030. Upcoming mandatory recycled-content targets are increasing the pressure to act. Companies that wait until shortly before the requirements come into force to source suitable materials, establish supply chains and adapt their products risk being unable to meet their obligations. At the same time, fair competition and effective controls are essential to ensure that imported materials genuinely meet the requirements for recycled content.
- Pioneering companies demonstrate what is already possible. Practical examples from different industries showed that recycled plastics can already be successfully incorporated into products. These experiences should inspire other companies and help successful approaches achieve broader market adoption.
- The circular economy needs an innovation agenda. Alongside the established principle of “Design for Recycling”, greater attention should be paid to “Design for Recycled Content”. Products should not only be designed to be recyclable but also specifically developed to incorporate recycled materials. The different material properties of recycled plastics should be seen not only as a challenge but also as an opportunity for innovation.
- Policymakers and businesses must act together. Reliable regulatory frameworks are essential to stimulate demand and provide investment certainty. At the same time, companies need to start gaining experience with recycled materials today and adapt their procurement and product development processes accordingly.
“We need to approach the circular economy more strongly from the demand side: The question is not only how we can recycle more plastics, but also how we can create products, markets and business models in which recycled materials become the natural choice,” said Christian Thorun, summarising one of the event’s central insights.
The discussions highlighted a crucial point: The future of plastics recycling will not be determined in recycling facilities alone. It will also be shaped by the decisions made in companies’ procurement and product development departments.
ConPolicy would like to thank NABU for the invitation to moderate the event and all speakers, panellists and participants for their valuable contributions and constructive discussions.