Recycling is still seen as an important part of packaging’s circular transition, yet the business model is showing cracks. Recent closures of European recycling facilities and industry warnings about a collapse in competitiveness raise uncomfortable questions: if recycled materials can’t compete with virgin, and if brands opt for cheaper imports over local recyclate, to what extent can a recycling-dependent strategy meet business needs and deliver on sustainability goals?
- The recycled price gap: Why recycled materials struggle to compete economically—low fossil fuel prices, energy-intensive processing, quality challenges, and inconsistent supply—and whether current PCR mandates alone can bridge this competitiveness gap or if the model needs fundamental restructuring
- Supply, demand, and misaligned incentives: The disconnect between regulatory requirements for recycled content, recycling rates and market realities—when brands face choices between expensive local recyclate and cheaper imports, or between meeting targets and maintaining margins, what drives investment decisions?
What to expect from this type of session...
Main stage sessions, but not as you know them. Because we’re off-the-record, leading experts can speak candidly about their experience with what works, and what doesn’t. At least half the session is dedicated to audience insights and questions to ensure we tackle the big issues head on.
