BRUSSELS - A group of trade and environmental bodies have issued a joint statement expressing their dismay at reports that the European Commission plans to axe its flagship circular economy package next week. Unveiled in July by the previous administration of the Commission – which was replaced in November - the draft circular economy package includes a raft of ambitious recycling targets, including a proposed 70 per cent recycling and reuse target for 2030, a requirement to increase the recycling rate for packaging waste to 80 per cent by 2030, and a ban on the landfilling of recyclable plastics, metals, glass, paper and cardboard, and biodegradable waste by 2025. However, several leading European news outlets suggest the plans will be scrapped next week, with a final decision expected on 17 December.
