#Recycling / Circular Economy

2025-04-17

EuRIC and FEAD point at ELV regulation to protect recycling and boost circularity

Creating a circular automotive sector requires more than just commitments; it demands a robust regulatory framework that promotes fair, transparent practices and ensures the uptake of recycled materials.

EuRIC and FEAD believe the upcoming End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation (ELVR) is the right opportunity to set the right safeguards that prevent practices which hinder competition, circularity, and recyclers’ efforts to recover materials – thereby supporting Europe’s competitiveness and futureproofing recycling and circularity. To achieve this, EuRIC and FEAD urge policymakers to:

Establish independent oversight to monitor the operations of producers and their Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) to prevent potential market distortions and conflicts of interest.

Recognise that Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes are not the silver bullet. Where EPR schemes are already in place, the entire recycling value chain, from Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) to mechanical recyclers (equipped with shredding and post-shredding technologies), must be included in the governance to ensure effective and transparent recycling practices.

Ensure that manufacturers cover the full costs of ELV recycling, including dismantling and treatment, with recyclers keeping ownership of the valuable parts and materials recovered.

While transparency and fair practices are critical to protect recyclers and waste operators, true circularity in automotive is still a long way off. To secure investments in high-quality recycling and the uptake of recycled materials that boost circularity, EuRIC and FEAD strongly call for:

Maintaining the 25% recycled content target for plastics in ELVs, as proposed by the Commission. This target is both realistic and verified, and should be based on post-consumer waste, excluding pre-consumer waste and biobased plastics, which could strongly undermine its effectiveness.

Introducing a mandatory recycled content target for steel in automotive, as steel remains the leading material in vehicle production. This target would drive investment and improve the quality of steel recovered from ELVs.

The recent announcement of Commission decision against car manufacturers and ACEA shows the need for change. To protect recyclers’ efforts, boost circularity, and guarantee the use of recycled materials, the EU must act decisively. The upcoming End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation (ELVR) is a key opportunity to set the rules for fairness, transparency, and long-term circularity in the automotive sector.

The European Recycling Conference 2025 heads to Hamburg

The European Recycling Conference (ERC) is coming to Hamburg, Germany, on 1 October 2025. This year’s edition, co-organised with EuRIC’s German members BDSV, bvse, and VDM, will explore the topic of “Building a competitive market for recycled materials”, and their critical role in delivering on the EU’s Competitiveness Compass and Clean Industrial Deal objectives.

Managed workwear services are providing a blueprint for the circular textile economy

Managed workwear service providers are demonstrating how commercial success and circularity can go hand in hand by extending garment lifespans through repair, laundering, reuse and recycling, according to “Managed workwear services—a circular textile economy ahead of the game”, a new 14‑page report from the global business information company Textiles Intelligence.

Eco-design as the foundation of circular textiles

Based on the results of an extensive European analysis, the Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity is currently developing three practice-based training modules covering recycling technologies, eco-design for the circular economy and sustainable manufacturing. This was preceded by a comprehensive company survey and a joint analysis conducted by the project partners under the leadership of IVGT. The results show that the greatest challenges lie not so much in a lack of technology as in skills gaps.

Usha Yarns secures growth equity investment from Fullerton Carbon Action Fund

Usha Yarns Limited (“Usha Yarns”), a producer of high-quality recycled yarns with advanced, well established production processes, announced a growth equity investment from the Fullerton Carbon Action Fund (“Fullerton”), a private equity strategy managed by Fullerton Fund Management that backs established mid-market companies across Emerging Asia to accelerate decarbonisation.

More patterns, less effort: the MULTI-MATIC® at Rohleder

Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

BASF opens global diaper and superabsorbents performance lab in Mumbai

BASF has officially inaugurated its new Performance Lab for diapers and superabsorbents (SAP) in Mumbai on August 18, 2026, which will provide technical and application services to superabsorbent customers globally. The new lab of BASF’s Hygiene Solutions business has been established in less than a year and is part of BASF’s Innovation Campus Asia Pacific in Mumbai, BASF’s second largest R&D site in Asia Pacific established in 2017 under BASF Chemicals India Private Limited.

Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.