

Episode 1352: PODCAST: Sustainably Speaking: Why brands are reducing recycled content targets and the impact on markets
Jun 10, 2025
Mark Victory, Senior Editor for Recycling Europe, and Helen McGeough, Global Analyst Team Lead for Plastic Recycling, discuss the recent trend of brands lowering recycled content targets. They explore the impact of these revisions on demand for recyclate and investments in both mechanical and chemical recycling. The conversation highlights the importance of quality feedstock access and consumer pressure, as well as regulatory implications in the US and Europe. Listeners gain insights into market dynamics and the future of sustainable practices in the recycling sector.
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Targets Reflect Ambitious Adjustments
- Revised recycled content targets often reflect ambition adjustment, not demand reduction.
- Companies still plan substantial growth despite lowering original targets for feasibility.
Commitment Amid Realistic Maturity
- Commitment to recycled content remains strong driven by mandates and consumer pressure.
- Industry matures in understanding realistic capabilities and infrastructure needs.
Cost & Feedstock Impacts
- High price spreads make cost a critical factor for recycled PET adoption.
- Feedstock availability and infrastructure strongly impact market dynamics and recycling targets.