According to the EU report, why does the cost premium of chemical recycling continue to challenge its economic viability?

The EU Joint Research Centre's report states that 'Cost Premium Will Continue to Challenge Economic Viability of Chemical Recycling', indicating that persistently high operational and capital expenditures relative to mechanical recycling or virgin plastic production make chemical recycling financially unsustainable under current market conditions.

What role do content mandates play in shaping the future of chemical recycling, according to the EU report?

The report notes that 'Content mandates to create demand may also lead to adoption of alternative solutions', meaning that while policy-driven requirements for recycled content could stimulate investment in recycling infrastructure, they may inadvertently accelerate uptake of lower-cost or more mature alternatives—such as mechanical recycling or bio-based materials—rather than chemical recycling, due to its ongoing cost disadvantage.

Cost Premium Will Continue to Challenge Economic Viability of Chemical Recycling: EU Report

Aug 27, 2026

An EU Joint Research Centre report indicates cost premiums hinder chemical recycling viability for plastics such as PET and polyethylene, noting demand mandates may spur alternative solutions.

chemweek

2026-08-27

Cost Premium Will Continue to Challenge Economic Viability of Chemical Recycling: EU Report

Cost Premium Will Continue to Challenge Economic Viability of Chemical Recycling: EU Report

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