The European Commission has decided to extend the derogation on plastic crates and plastic pallets in relation to the heavy metal concentration levels established in Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste.

This derogation has been adopted after two years of joint efforts from the European Plastics Converters (EuPC) and the European Plastics Recyclers (EuPR). Moreover, the “scientific reports submitted to the Commission recommend that such a derogation should be granted” as the mechanical recycling is the most sustainable path to treat plastic crates and pallets.

“We welcome the publication of this derogation for the continuation of recycling old plastic crates and pallets back into new ones. Industry will need to get organised together with the users of the crates in order to monitor the heavy metal content and inform regulators on progress made on a regular basis,” said Alexandre Dangis, EuPC managing director.

“We have been working very hard as plastics recyclers together with our sister converters’ association in order to ensure this derogation was adopted,” added Bernard Merkx, EuPR president.

“Several visits took place at plastics recycling plants and we demonstrated to EU politicians and consultants that the best and safest way to handle cadmium in the plastic is to keep it encapsulated in the polymer matrix and recycling it as such into new plastic crates.

“More safe and responsible usage of plastics recyclates should be promoted in Europe by the politicians. Mandatory recycling content in public procurement for certain plastics applications should be envisaged.”