Green Chemistry Platform urges national plastics standard
The standard would improve the Netherlands' competitiveness and be crucial to preventing stagnation and bankruptcies in the industry.
Published on April 21, 2025
A Petition by Provinces and Platform GCNE calls on the national government for "continuous, predictable, and future-oriented policy" with the National Circular Plastics Standard
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Eight provinces and the Green Chemistry New Economy Platform have presented a petition to the Dutch House of Representatives. They are calling for a National Circular Plastics Standard in line with EU policy. This would improve the Netherlands' competitiveness and be crucial to preventing 'stagnation and bankruptcies' in the chemical industry. Director Arnold Stokking emphasizes the urgency by pointing to the global battle for raw materials that the Netherlands cannot keep up with. Friso Douwstra adds that the market for circular products has not yet been developed. Demand is high, but supply is lagging.
The petition calls for a consistent government policy that stimulates a market for sustainable products. This will enable companies to grow in a more environmentally friendly European single market. There is an urgent need to start with this standard now in order not to fall behind European standards that will come into force in 2030.
The Integrated Circular Economy Report (ICER) for 2025 provides insight into the transition to a circular economy in the Netherlands by analyzing the physical use of raw materials, its impact on the environment, and the progress of strategic initiatives. Since the previous editions, there has been a renewed focus on policy instruments to bring about the transition to a circular economy. The report highlights the need for a national policy that explicitly aligns with circular standards at the European level. The development of a National Circular Plastics Standard plays an essential role in strengthening the market for sustainable products in the Netherlands. Regulatory measures can set the standard for structurally reducing the use of raw materials and increasing efficiency in the production chain.
National cooperation as the key to success
At the National Circular Economy Conference in Leeuwarden on March 20, government authorities agreed to exploit opportunities for circularity jointly. This cooperation between the national government, provinces, municipalities, and water boards focuses on developing more efficient policy measures through better coordinated programs. State Secretary Chris Jansen says that this agreement is a crucial step in accelerating the circular transition. Of particular importance is the role of municipalities and other regions, which can encourage companies to adopt innovative circular practices through the exchange of resources and knowledge. The focus is on reintroducing biobased materials and optimizing cooperation with industry.
The economic importance
Friso Douwstra emphasizes that the chemical industry in the Netherlands is heavily dependent on innovations in sustainability. This argument is in line with the observations made by the Green Chemistry New Economy Platform, which states that sustainability is directly correlated with the economic resilience of the sector. The lack of market initiatives for circular products is a burden on companies that focus on sustainable innovations, such as the use of recycled and biobased materials. This stagnation can lead to redundancy and ultimately to bankruptcy. To prevent this downward spiral, a consistent national policy is needed that rewards innovation and supports sustainable production growth.
The role of policy in stimulating a circular economy
In March, the government highlighted a number of priorities in its Circular Economy Memorandum. State Secretary Jansen introduced various financial incentives and is investigating digital carbon accounting systems as mechanisms to support the circular transition. At the same time, the government has concluded that broad implementation of regulations is essential to kick-start a sustainable economy. According to Jansen, fundamental changes can only be achieved through efficient policy measures and joint efforts. The focus on consistent CO₂ evaluations also improves insight into the environmental impact of circular initiatives.
Strategic recommendations
Arnold Stokking, director of GCNE, called on the authorities to implement the National Circular Plastics Standard with immediate effect. It is crucial to build in layered habits, whereby regulations are introduced in smaller steps so that businesses can adapt gradually. Positive incentives can strengthen the targeted development of a market for European recyclates. In addition, it is essential to maintain alignment with European regulations and, where possible, even expand them so that the policy enables Dutch companies to strengthen their lead in the European market.