The European Commission has adopted new rules establishing a harmonised methodology for calculating, verifying and reporting recycled content in single-use polyethylene terephthalate (PET) beverage bottles, introducing for the first time a framework covering chemically recycled plastics alongside existing mechanical recycling methods. The implementing decision forms part of the EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive and was adopted on 30 June.
The methodology is intended to provide a consistent approach for determining recycled plastic content used in PET beverage bottles, improving transparency and comparability across the European Union. According to the Commission, the rules are designed to create a level playing field for different recycling technologies while providing greater investment certainty for the plastics recycling sector. They also support Member States in meeting mandatory recycled-content targets established under the Single-Use Plastics Directive.
The new framework applies to recycled plastic derived from both mechanical and chemical recycling processes, with verification and reporting requirements intended to ensure traceability and consistent calculation of recycled content. The Commission said the methodology can be applied irrespective of the recycling technology used, provided the specified requirements are met.
For packaging manufacturers, beverage companies and recycled resin suppliers in the Middle East and Africa serving European markets, the rules provide greater regulatory clarity for demonstrating recycled-content compliance in PET beverage packaging. The decision is also expected to influence future recycled-content methodologies under wider EU packaging legislation as regulators continue to strengthen circular economy requirements for plastic packaging.