Why recycled PS & ABS makes business sense in Europe

Across Europe, incorporating recycled content is becoming a business factor, not just a sustainability goal. While packaging often leads the discussion, the same shift is now extending into durable applications such as electronics, household appliances and consumer goods. At the centre of this change is eco-modulation.

Turning sustainability into a cost factor

Eco-modulation builds on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems, where companies pay fees for the products they place on the market. What is changing is how these fees are calculated. 

The principle is straightforward. Products with higher levels of recycled content benefit from lower fees, while those with little or no recycled content face higher costs. This links material choice directly to financial impact. Performance and processing still matter, but they are no longer the only drivers. EPR fees are becoming part of the total cost equation.

Where the impact is already visible

France provides the most developed example, with clear financial incentives in place. In packaging, this is visible in polystyrene (PS) applications such as dairy, where recycled content can reduce fees by around €550 per tonne today, potentially rising to €1,000 per tonne by 2028.

This eco-modulation principle is now expanding beyond packaging. For ABS used in electronics, household appliances and consumer goods, EPR frameworks are evolving in the same direction. Recycled content is increasingly linked to lower system costs, adding a new dimension to material selection. Companies that move early can reduce costs while integrating recycled content and meeting EU requirements. 

Now is the moment to act

Alongside France, countries such as Spain and the UK have also introduced incentives of around €450 per tonne for recycled plastics, reinforcing the same direction. This creates a clear opportunity. Companies can reduce costs today while preparing for future requirements.

For ABS applications, the challenge is to introduce recycled content without compromising performance, appearance or processing. This requires materials that meet high and often regulated standards, especially in electronics and consumer products.
INEOS Styrolution supports this transition with a broad portfolio, including recycled solutions for PS and ABS, combined with regulatory and technical expertise. From material selection to application development, the focus is on maintaining performance while capturing the value of recycled content.

Get in touch with our experts to explore how eco-modulation can be applied to your applications and where recycled styrenics can support your goals.