Poland-led FORS conference highlights urgent need for balanced EU vehicle recycling laws
In May 2025, the picturesque city of Warsaw, Poland, played host to the 6th International FORS Conference, a pivotal gathering focused on shaping the future of vehicle recycling in Europe amidst pressing regulatory changes. Organised by the Polish Auto Recyclers Association, this two-day event saw more than 180 delegates from 15 countries, including policymakers, recyclers, insurers, and environmental regulators, engage in high-stakes discussions about the proposed new European End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Regulation. The timing was particularly significant, as Poland held the presidency of the Council of the European Union, amplifying the conference’s relevance and urgency.
The keynote address by Jaco Huisman, Policy Officer for the ELV Directive at the European Commission, set the stage for lively debate. He outlined the ambitious proposal intended to harmonise existing directives while expanding the regulation's scope to include motorcycles, buses, and heavy-duty vehicles. The proposed legislation includes recycling targets, such as 25% recycled plastic content, with the ultimate goal of fostering a circular economy. However, Huisman cautioned that Europe's digital infrastructure and traceability mechanisms lag behind those of the United States, highlighting the need for improved data sharing and innovative tools to underpin this transformative agenda.
Poland’s Maciej Białek contributed by emphasising how the country's presidency influences the discourse on ELV regulation. He articulated a need for a nuanced approach, moving from rigid regulatory frameworks to a more technically grounded discussion on what constitutes an ELV. Białek addressed thorny issues, such as plastic quotas and the complexities surrounding transboundary movements of vehicles. The idea of phased implementation resonated well with delegates, especially as it aims to target illegal operations while allowing compliant businesses to adjust gradually.
Industry representatives echoed these sentiments, advocating for a balanced approach to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Silvia Vecchione of ACEA outlined five pillars essential for productive collaboration between policymakers and manufacturers. She underscored the value retention of ELVs, unlike items with diminished utility, and advocated for a six-year phased approach to compliance with recycled material targets, driven by feasibility rather than ideology.
Concerns surrounding the proposed regulation were palpably articulated by Michał Lang from the Polish Chamber of Insurance, who warned that the current draft could inadvertently fuel illegal markets and complicate repair processes, resulting in higher insurance costs. His insights underscored a critical gap in the regulatory framework that seems to favour stringent rules without enabling workable solutions for all stakeholders involved.
Echoing these feelings, Adam Małyszko, Chairman of the conference, confronted the drastic implications of obligating recyclers to adhere to high standards of recycled content without the necessary financial pathways. He highlighted the plight of Poland's legal dismantling sector, which already grapples with the implications of seven million deregistered vehicles that remain unaccounted for, posing a challenge to compliance and operational viability.
As discussions progressed, the panel discussions brought forth a clearer picture of the industry's practical realities. Kacper Winiarczyk from OVOKO showcased the importance of digital tools in fostering consumer trust and enhancing sales in online parts markets. He highlighted that simple adjustments in online presentation could yield substantial sales increases, reinforcing the significant role of transparency in the circular economy.
The conference addressed critical economic pressures influencing the shift towards circularity, with Jakub Faryś of the Polish Automotive Industry Association warning that current infrastructure gaps could hinder progress toward zero-emission mobility. Insights from international perspectives, including those from Norway and Japan, enriched discussions on the future of EV recycling, while touching upon opportunities for battery reuse and the need for innovative collaborations.
Capping the rich discourse, Artur Wróblewski of GIOŚ gave a sobering reminder of impending regulatory changes coming into effect by May 2026. He urged the community to prepare proactively, underlining that undocumented or mixed auto parts would be classified as waste without proper documentation.
Overall, the 6th International FORS Conference illuminated the multifaceted challenges and opportunities awaiting the automotive recycling sector in Europe. Participants left with a sense of urgency for actionable collaboration, innovation, and adaptability as they move toward a more sustainable future. The consensus echoed throughout the event affirmed that while regulatory frameworks need to evolve, they must do so in tandem with the industries and communities they aim to serve.
As Europe approaches a significant shift in vehicle recycling policy, the conference participants stand ready to navigate the complexities ahead, keenly aware that practical engagement, digitalisation, and financial realism are essential to realising a sustainable circular economy.