EU mandates recycled plastic in new cars, expands producer responsibility

The European Union has formally adopted a regulation that requires new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles to contain recycled plastic. Manufacturers must use at least 15% recycled plastic six years after the rule takes effect, rising to 25% after ten years, with at least 20% of that material sourced from end‑of‑life vehicles. The law also introduces extended producer responsibility, making automakers financially liable for the entire vehicle lifecycle, including free take‑back of end‑of‑life vehicles and ensuring they are processed by authorized facilities.

Export of vehicles that are no longer road‑worthy will be prohibited five years after the regulation enters force, aimed at preventing the shipment of highly polluting cars to third‑party countries. Member states will have two years to transpose the rule into national law, and the European Commission must set future targets for other materials such as recycled steel, aluminum and critical raw materials after a feasibility study within one year.