In the Benelux, strong initiatives are emerging to advance the circular economy for plastic packaging. Both in the Netherlands and Belgium, efforts are being made to increase the use of recycled material in packaging, although the approach and focus differ slightly, offering valuable insights for companies working on packaging strategy and sustainability.
In the Netherlands, the Delta Plan for Circular Plastic Packaging, set up by Verpact, the organisation behind the collection and recycling of packaging, is underway. This plan brings together more than 20 partners from across the packaging chain to match supply and demand for high-quality recycled plastics (such as rPET) through the Circular Plastic Bank. Verpact is also working on tariff differentiation ,a measure that will make Dutch recycled material more financially attractive from 2027, and on innovation programs to address challenges such as quality and traceability of recycled material. The Delta Plan is seen as a catalyst for the structural growth of circular plastic use in the chain, contributing to ambitious European and national targets.
In Belgium, a related initiative provides a concrete incentive to increase the use of recycled material in packaging: myRecycledContent, launched by Valipac. This platform focuses specifically on industrial packaging , such as transport and secondary packaging , containing at least 30 % post-consumer recycled content (PCR). Belgian companies that are Valipac clients and purchase packaging via registered suppliers can receive a bonus of €100 per ton of recycled material from 2025. This makes it financially attractive to choose sustainable packaging and stimulates demand for recycled plastic in Belgium.
What unites these two initiatives is the focus on chain collaboration and increasing demand for recycled material. Both the Dutch Circular Plastic Bank and the Belgian myRecycledContent platform bring together producers, suppliers, and end-users, aiming to collectively increase circular material use and contribute to climate- and environmental goals. European regulations — such as mandatory minimum recycled content percentages by 2030 — also play a clear role in driving these developments.For more detailed information about these initiatives and participation requirements, interested parties can visit the websites of Verpact and Valipac.
