The government is taking an important step towards a circular economy by making plastics more sustainable. In a recent letter to the House of Representatives, Minister Hermans of Climate and Green Growth and State Secretary Jansen of Infrastructure and Water Management announced a bill for a circular plastic standard. This standard will oblige companies to use sustainable bio-based raw materials and plastic recyclate in the production of new plastics from 2027. The bill is part of a broader package of measures that combines standardisation, incentives and pricing to accelerate the transition to circular plastics.
Bill to Council of State
The Council of Ministers has agreed to submit the required amendment to the law to the Council of State for advice. It is expected that the House of Representatives can be informed about the further elaboration of the bill in a General Administrative Order (AMvB) in the spring of 2025. This will lay the legal foundation for making the use of sustainable materials in plastic production mandatory.
Subsidy package to support companies
In addition to introducing the circular plastic standard, the government has earmarked a subsidy package of 267 million euros from the Climate Fund. This package is intended to support companies in the accelerated transition to circular plastics. Through this combination of standardization and stimulation, the government hopes not only to increase the demand for sustainable and bio-based plastic, but also to strengthen the recycling sector.
Tax on plastic from 2028
To further support the transition, the government wants to introduce a levy on plastic as of 2028. The exact form and effects of this levy, as well as possible alternative pricing measures, are currently being investigated. A final decision on this will be taken in the Spring Memorandum 2025. The intended net proceeds of this levy amount to 547 million euros per year.
The levy and the circular plastics standard will be closely aligned to provide a coherent policy framework. The aim is not only to stimulate sustainable behaviour, but also to improve the economic viability of circular plastics.
Future-proof economy
With this combined approach, the government wants to contribute not only to a cleaner environment, but also to a future-proof economy. The use of sustainable bio-based raw materials and plastic recyclate is an essential step in reducing dependence on fossil raw materials and reducing CO2 emissions.
The government hopes that these measures will serve as an example for other countries and will stimulate innovation in the plastics and recycling sector. By combining standardisation, incentives and pricing, the way is cleared for a circular future in which sustainability is central.
Source: Ministry of Climate and Green Growth
