The European recycling industry is a €100 billion success story, creating over 310,000 local, non-outsourceable green jobs. For decades, European metal recyclers have invested in cutting-edge recycling processes to produce high-quality materials.

Now, under the pretext of the Steel and Metals Action Plan, parts of the steel and aluminium industries are pushing for even more export restrictions on recycled steel and aluminium scrap—despite the fact that the brand-new EU Waste Shipment Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 (WSR) already imposes strict export controls!

THE FACTS DON’T LIE:
🔹 EU demand for recycled steel scrap has dropped from 87.5 million tonnes (MT) in 2014 to 75.2 MT in 2023.
🔹 Exports have increased from 12.3 MT to 18.9 MT because Europe’s industry isn’t using enough recycled materials.
🔹 Imports have fallen from 5.1 MT to 3.9 MT, proving that there is no shortage of recycled metal in the EU.

THE IMPACT OF MORE EXPORT RESTRICTIONS?
❌ Lower collection and recycling rates
❌ Factory closures and job losses
❌ The EU recycling industry crushed—just like what’s happening in plastics recycling!

We've seen this before: Argentina’s 16-year ban on metal scrap exports devastated its recycling industry. Let’s not make the same mistake in Europe!

WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN?
✅No new export restrictions – The WSR already limits exports. Don’t add more red tape!
✅Boost demand for recycled materials – Require recycled content, reduce VAT, and create green markets.
✅Tackle high energy prices – These are hurting recyclers and manufacturers alike.

📢 PROTECTIONISM WILL NOT SAVE THE EUROPEAN INDUSTRY—BUT IT WILL DESTROY RECYCLING!

📢 SIGN NOW EuRIC's petition to demand evidence-based policies that protect both recycling and Europe’s circular economy!

EuRIC is the voice of Europe's recycling industries, representing 80 members across 24 EU & EFTA countries, and over 5,500 companies. We drive a 95 billion EUR contribution to the EU economy and support 300,000 green, local jobs.