EU mandates recycled plastic use in automotive sector

The European Union has adopted new rules that will gradually increase the use of recycled plastic in new vehicle production and mandate the recycling of end-of-life vehicles.

Scraper SystemJune 29, 2026, 08:44 PM

EU mandates recycled plastic use in automotive sector

European Union (EU) countries have adopted new regulations aimed at making the automotive sector more sustainable and resource-efficient. The new rules cover the entire process from vehicle design and production to end-of-life processing.

Recycled plastic ratio to increase gradually

According to a statement from the EU Council, six years after the rules enter into force, at least 15 percent of the plastic used in the production of new vehicles must be obtained from recycled materials.

Ten years after the regulation enters into force, this ratio will be raised to 25 percent. Additionally, at least 20 percent of the recycled plastic used must come from material recovered from end-of-life vehicles.

Extended producer responsibility

The regulation holds manufacturers financially and organizationally responsible for the entire life cycle of vehicles, including when they become waste. This obligation covers encouraging the design of vehicles in line with the circular economy, free take-back of end-of-life vehicles, and their proper processing.

Measures against lost vehicles and illegal exports

The new rules also target the problem of lost vehicles that are illegally dismantled or taken outside the EU. Vehicles determined to have reached the end of their life can only be processed at authorized facilities and cannot be sold or exported as second-hand vehicles.

The export of used vehicles that are not roadworthy will also be banned. This aims to prevent the EU from contributing to environmental pollution in third countries and to retain valuable raw materials within the Union.

Scope and implementation timeline

The new regulation will apply in full to passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Trucks, motorcycles, and special-purpose vehicles will be subject to more limited obligations. The regulation will begin to be implemented two years after it enters into force.

More than 6 million vehicles reach the end of their life in the EU each year. Inadequate management of these vehicles is estimated to lead to environmental pollution and significant loss of raw materials.

EU mandates recycled plastic use in automotive sector

The European Union has adopted new rules that will gradually increase the use of recycled plastic in new vehicle production and mandate the recycling of end-of-life vehicles.