The regulation mandates that vehicles must be delivered to authorized treatment facilities for proper processing, with a ban on mixed shredding unless quality criteria are met.

The proposal will be negotiated with the European Parliament before becoming law, with the Council prepared to begin discussions once it adopts its position.

In addition to recycled plastics, the regulation opens the door for future targets regarding recycled steel, aluminum, and other critical raw materials.

Poland's environment minister, Paulina Hennig-Kloska, described the regulation as a "game-changer" for Europe, emphasizing its potential to reduce waste and reliance on foreign raw materials.

The European Union has approved new regulations mandating that at least 25 percent of plastic used in new vehicles must be recycled, a move aimed at promoting a circular economy and reducing waste.

Manufacturers will also need to redesign vehicles to facilitate disassembly, reuse, and recycling, adhering to the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

The EPR framework has been amended to provide member states with flexibility, requiring producers to cover costs associated with the entire treatment chain of vehicles.

This decision was supported by environmental ministers from the 27 EU nations during a recent meeting in Luxembourg, where they endorsed a proposal from the European Commission.

On June 17, 2025, the Council of the EU adopted its position on the end-of-life vehicles (ELV) regulation, which aims to enhance vehicle design for better reuse, recycling, and recovery.

The regulation sets phased targets for recycled plastic content, requiring 15 percent within six years, 20 percent after eight years, and 25 percent after ten years.

Importantly, at least 25 percent of the recycled plastic must come from old, scrap vehicles, further promoting the reuse of materials.

This legislation aligns with the European Green Deal, addressing the resource-intensive nature of the automotive industry, which accounts for 10 percent of the EU's plastic consumption and 19 percent of its steel demand.