Valipac, the Belgian extended producer responsibility (EPR) organisation for industrial and commercial packaging, has warned of recycling capacity problems for plastic big bags and coloured film and is urgently seeking European recyclers handling these waste streams. The organisation's call comes amid new administrative requirements under the EU Waste Shipments Regulation (WSR) which will apply from 21 May and the ban on exports of plastic waste to non-OECD countries which will enter into force on 21 November 2026.
Valipac expects these changes to lead to a sharp increase in the supply of plastic packaging waste within Europe, particularly lower-grade fractions for which there is insufficient recycling capacity. At the same time, demand for regranulate for use in new products will remain limited as long as no mandatory minimum recycled content targets are in place. These will only take effect in 2030. "In the meantime, the market is coming under pressure and the value of certain plastic streams, such as big bags, is declining," the organisation said last week.
EPR system warns of downward spiral
Valipac warned that without strong and stable end markets, a downward spiral could be set in motion with weaker economic incentives for recycling, fewer available processing routes and ultimately a weakening of separate collection, which the organisation has supported for years through financial incentives and guidance for companies.
To avoid this scenario, Valipac says it is actively looking for local European companies that have the capacity to recycle 6,000 tonnes of big bags (quality A, B and C) and/or at least 10,000 tonnes of coloured film (quality 70/30, 60/40, 50/50, construction film and shredder film). Recyclers that can convert those volumes/qualities into regranulate and are willing to reserve the requested capacity for Valipac’s affiliated collectors may enter into a cooperation agreement with the organisation.
According to its own account, Valipac aims to secure sufficient processing capacity for Belgian packaging waste in this way and strengthen the entire value chain. "During a period in which market demand and pricing are under pressure", the EPR organisation seeks to prevent recycling capacity from being lost.
"With this initiative, Valipac is giving a boost to the entire plastic recycling value chain and, by extension, to the circular economy as a whole. We must do everything we can to ensure that the recycling capacity we have built up is not lost", commented Xavier Lhoir, deputy managing director of Valipac.
Valipac invites recyclers interested in a cooperation with the organisation to contact Mr Lhoir via the e-mail address xavier.lhoir@valipac.be by 31 Marc 2026. Preferably, they should include a short explanation of available capacity and any partners involved in the pre-treatment of the materials, according to the organisation.
