EU Takes First Step Toward Legal Recognition of Dissolution (Solvent-Based) Recycling

Happy New Year!

There are some good news for the year ahead already: the legal framework for the recognition of Dissolution Recycling is about to be established!

On 23 December, The European Commission issued a communication and mini-package of measures to boost circular economy and strengthen Europe's plastic recycling. These measures are meant as a precursor to the Circular Economy Act (CEA) expected in 9/2026.

With that, the European Commission has for the first time proposed a legal definition of Dissolution Recycling, here called ‘solvent-based recycling’, which can be used synonymously. 

In a draft implementing regulation establishing end of waste (EoW) criteria that accompanied the communication, it defines Solvent Based Recycling as a process that uses heat and solvents to dissolve plastic waste into a solution of polymers and additives, and the subsequent separation of additives and polymers from the solution, without chemical degradation reactions or alterations of the polymer chains (Art. 2(3) and (4), respectively). It explains that this is also referred to as physical recycling (rec. 6).

Thanks to all colleagues of DROP-IN Dissolution Recycling of Plastics Initiative and the Task Force Dissolution Recycling of Plastics Recyclers Europe for their educational work to relevant stakeholders engaged in that legislation, in order to show all relevant recycling technologies in place.