Environmental and socio-economic impacts of the Circular Economy transition in the EU plastics sector

Leonidas Milios (), Pelayo Garcia-gutierrez, Anna Walker (), Paola Federica Albizzati (), Pablo Pinero Mira (), Malte Besler, Luis Pedauga () and Davide Tonini ()
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Leonidas Milios: European Commission - JRC, https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/index_en
Anna Walker: European Commission - JRC, https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/index_en
Paola Federica Albizzati: European Commission - JRC, https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/index_en
Pablo Pinero Mira: European Commission - JRC, https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/index_en
Luis Pedauga: European Commission - JRC, https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/index_en
Davide Tonini: European Commission - JRC, https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/index_en

No JRC143075, JRC Research Reports from Joint Research Centre

Abstract: "The implementation of Circular Economy measures in the EU plastics sector has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75-84 Mt CO2-eq. annually by 2050. CE measures can also significantly decrease EU demand for fossil resources and energy demand, leading to a €18 billion annual increase in the EU net trade balance with significant imports reduction from the US, China, UK, and Russia. However, this may come with trade-offs such as reduced employment and gross value added, which need to be further studied to produce more accurate assessment and potential mitigation measures. The study's findings are policy-relevant, highlighting the need for a holistic approach and policy mix over the lifecycle of materials and products to materialise the CE potential, while informing EU policymakers on feasible strategies to support the plastics sector's sustainability transition."

Date: 2025-09
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