Falling demand, cheap imports, high energy costs, and complex regulations are pushing recyclers to the brink. Plants are closing, investment is stalling, and the infrastructure we need to build a circular economy is at risk of collapse.

Too often, we demand perfection — pure, food-grade, closed-loop recycling. But in doing so, we risk losing sight of the fact that any recycling is better than none. Downcycling, open-loop uses, and imperfect processes still prevent plastics from being landfilled, incinerated, or exported under poor conditions.

In AMI Market Intelligence's latest article, it is argued that Europe needs a pragmatic approach. We should protect the industry we have, even if it isn’t perfect, while continuing to push for long-term improvements. Because if we let the system fail now, the goal of a truly circular plastics economy will slip even further out of reach.

What's your opinion?