Brussels, 10 November 2025 – Recycling Europe’s Paper branch (Recycling Europe Paper), representing Europe’s recovered paper collectors and recyclers, has launched its “EU Recyclers’ Manifesto: Removing barriers to paper circularity”, which sets out four key policy actions needed to secure one of Europe’s strongest circular economy value chains.

Paper recycling is a longstanding European success story. Every tonne of recovered paper saves resources, cuts CO₂ emissions, and supports thousands of jobs. Yet this achievement is increasingly at risk due to regulatory fragmentation, market pressures, and the growing fire danger caused by mis-sorted lithium batteries. Without coherent EU action, Europe risks losing momentum on circularity and competitiveness.

The manifesto calls on EU policymakers to:

• Recognise recovered paper as a resource to provide legal certainty and support investment.
• Reduce administrative burdens and strengthen the Single Market for recycled materials.
• Maintain access to global markets to balance supply and demand.
• Address lithium battery fire risks through better design, disposal, and enforcement.

“Paper recycling is a European success story, but one that cannot be taken for granted”, said José Andrés Martín Cubero, President of Recycling Europe Paper. He added “Europe can reinforce a circular value chain that already delivers climate benefits, industrial resilience, and economic opportunities. Our Paper Manifesto outlines the steps to secure this future.”