On June 30, 2026, the European Commission adopted new rules on recycling of single-use PET beverage bottles. This includes, for the first time, a methodology to calculate, verify, and report chemically recycled content in the bottles.

Looking into the rules

Q: What is the aim to adopt the new rules?

A: The new rules will ensure transparency in calculating recycled content in new single-use PET bottles. This will also help Member States meet the recycled-content target set under the Single-Use Plastics Directive.

Q: How is the plastic recycling sector benefited?

A: This is key to creating a level playing field and providing investment security for the plastic recycling sector.

Q: Are the rules only applicable to chemical recycling?

A: No, the new rules can be applied to any recycling technology, including chemical and mechanical recycling technologies.

Phased recognition of recycled plastic content

Recycled content is counted towards EU targets based on credible, traceable and environmentally sound standards. In a first phase, the EU will count as recycled plastics material from the Union and EEA countries, where compliance with EU environmental rules can be fully verified.

From 21 November 2027, recycled plastic from OECD countries will also count, unless excluded under the Waste Shipment Regulation.

Also, material from non-OECD countries will count when covered by arrangements ensuring equivalent standards related to human health and environmental protection requirements, for example in the Waste Framework Directive and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.

Next steps

To prepare the Implementing Act, the Commission consulted stakeholders on the proposed new rules. The Implementing Act will be published in the Official Journal shortly and will enter into force 20 days later.