Petition: National Circular Plastics Standard

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With a continuous, predictable, and forward-looking plastics policy, Dutch companies become leaders in Europe, and Europe becomes a leader in the world.

Petition from the Platform Green Chemistry New Economy (GCNE) and the eight affiliated provincial authorities to the House of Representatives of the States General.

With continuous, predictable, and forward-looking government policy, Europe becomes competitive on the global stage, and Dutch companies gain an advantage within Europe. A sufficient market ensures that Dutch gamechangers can scale up and provides large companies with the clarity they need to make long-term investments rather than focusing solely on short-term profitability. Continuing decisively with a National Circular Plastics Standard contributes to this goal.

However, the introduction of the National Standard must be done correctly:

  1. Government policy is essential to prevent bankruptcies and ongoing dependence on non-European countries (and fossil resources).

  2. Moving forward promptly with a good (National) Circular Plastics Standard is crucial to stimulate a sufficient market for companies.

  3. Implementation strategy:

    • Start with a smaller percentage than initially proposed (I).

    • Place the obligation at the correct point in the supply chain (II).

    • Offer positive incentives (III).

    • Focus on European recycled and biobased materials with transparent origins and clear quality (IV).

    • Above all, align as much as legally possible with the European standards for 2030, emerging from the PPWR (V).

Statement of support from provinces and organizations

  • Province of Drenthe: Deputy Meeuwissen

  • Province of Fryslân: Deputy Douwstra

  • Province of Groningen: Deputy Bennema

  • Province of Limburg: Deputy Satijn

  • Province of Noord-Brabant: Deputy Van Gruijthuijsen

  • Province of Noord-Holland: Deputy Rommel

  • Province of Zeeland: Deputy De Bat

  • Province of Zuid-Holland: Deputy Weverling

  • Platform Green Chemistry New Economy (GCNE): Chairman Stokking

Government policy is essential to prevent bankruptcies and ongoing dependence on non-European countries (and fossil resources).
The rapidly increasing import of cheap new plastic, particularly from countries like China, makes it impossible for Dutch gamechangers in plastic recycling and the production of plant-based alternatives to compete. These companies are crucial for economic growth and for maintaining jobs in the (crucial for the Netherlands) chemical industry. They represent the sector’s sustainability efforts and the innovative power that distinguishes the Netherlands internationally and generates trade. Moreover, they help prevent the Netherlands and Europe from becoming fully dependent on non-European countries for the critical material plastic, which could ultimately become more expensive due to this dependency.

Gamechangers and large companies are inextricably linked in this country. It is unfortunate that even large companies experience a lack of predictability in government policy, making it difficult to invest in the Netherlands and Europe for the long term rather than focusing solely on short-term profitability. This needs to change. Even if we wanted to, Europe cannot compete or function within the global raw materials race and the “Drill Baby Drill” mentality of President Donald Trump.

Moving forward promptly with a good (National) Circular Plastics Standard is crucial to stimulate a sufficient market for companies.
Gamechangers from the recycling and bio-based raw materials sectors experience that financiers withdraw or do not participate at critical moments due to the lack of sustainable and reliable government policy. The key issue here is the role of the government versus the absence of market demand. Currently, circular products are not sufficiently available on a large scale in supermarkets. For example, meat products, yogurt, or soap are hardly available with circular packaging. Stakeholders are stuck in a deadlock: neither the push nor the pull materializes, leading to stagnation and bankruptcies.

A good National Circular Plastics Standard is essential as part of a broader package of measures. The Standard is already included in the main agreement and has political support. It concerns the implementation of existing legislation and does not constitute a new national addition to European policy. Our focus is on “yes, provided that” rather than “no, unless”. The E10 fuel standard serves as proof that a positive approach in general terms is also realistic. The “provided that” must ensure that a National Standard actually strengthens the international competitiveness of the Dutch industry.

Start with a smaller percentage than initially proposed (I), place the obligation at the correct point in the chain (II), offer positive incentives (III), focus on European recycled and biobased materials with transparent origins and clear quality (IV), and, above all, align as much as legally possible with the European standard for 2030 (emerging from the PPWR, V).

  • Waiting for a European standard that will only become relevant around 2030 is not an option. Nevertheless, it is essential to align as closely as possible with the upcoming European standard. The government should explore the legal possibilities, whether per material type or otherwise. It is important to realize that the Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) focuses on specific packaging, while the planned Dutch standard addresses plastics in general.

  • A European content requirement ensures that these new chains are realized locally, contributing to the quality and transparency of the material and the strategic autonomy of the Netherlands and Europe.

  • The CE-Delft Report, titled Balanced Policy Support for Biobased and Recycled Plastic (2024), emphasizes that in addition to recycling, biobased raw materials offer significant opportunities. Consider rewarding companies that contribute to circular ambitions and create a market for sustainable products by granting tax benefits or at least avoiding double penalties.

  • Wherever the obligation under the (National) Circular Plastics Standard is placed, someone will bear the economic cost. Implementation at retail, wholesale, and distribution centers could be a viable option across the entire chain. This approach ensures that it doesn’t matter which specific green raw material or technique is encouraged, allowing all companies in the chain to benefit, including innovative gamechangers. The cost increase for consumers resulting from this standard will ultimately be marginal. For packaging, it would only mean a few cents per product, which is negligible compared to other cost increases, such as those caused by inflation. We involve purchasing managers from large parties, as well as their communication power, in the circularity mission.

  • Let’s start with a smaller (National) Circular Plastics Standard of at least 3% and build experience together. This can also mitigate the risks of potential leakage in the chain and negative impacts on converters. Until the PPWR is implemented, an annual growth path should be established. Reporting can be based on established methodologies such as certification or mass balance calculations, preferably aligned with other existing reporting requirements.

The petition was presented on behalf of GCNE and the eight provinces, including chemical clusters, by the five gamechangers.

Disclaimer: this petition has been translated into English. The original Dutch version can be read here.