May 13, 2026

On behalf of a plastics recycler, the authors undertook an investigation to determine the chemical composition and general formulation of additives used in the mechanical recycling of post-consumer plastics. Initial findings were published in 2025 in the German journal Müll und Abfall (see News from 11 July 2025 and website of Erich-Schmidt-Verlag).

Given the topicality of this subject and the upcoming discussions at EU level, including on the circular economy, we have produced a working paper for all interested parties, which can be downloaded here free of charge.