Invest-NL Explores Carbon Credits to Support Dutch Plastic Recyclers
Amsterdam, Friday, 21 November 2025.
Invest-NL is investigating carbon credits as a potential revenue source for struggling plastic recyclers in the Netherlands, aiming to boost financial viability and promote sustainable waste management practices.
The Challenge Facing Dutch Plastic Recyclers
The Dutch plastic recycling sector is under considerable financial pressure, with many companies struggling to remain viable due to high costs and low returns. The competition between recycled plastic and cheaper new plastic exacerbates this issue, making it difficult for innovative recycling firms to thrive. This challenge is significant as recycling plays a crucial role in reducing CO₂ emissions and conserving resources, aligning with the Netherlands’ ambitious goal of achieving a fully circular economy by 2050 [1][2].
Carbon Credits: A Viable Solution?
Invest-NL has identified carbon credits as a promising solution to bolster the financial health of plastic recyclers. Carbon credits are tradable certificates representing avoided CO₂ emissions, which can provide an additional revenue stream. By certifying CO₂ reductions, companies can sell these credits on the voluntary carbon market, thereby generating extra income and making investments more attractive [1][2].
The Umincorp Case Study
The potential of carbon credits is exemplified by the case of Umincorp, a Dutch recycling company. Umincorp illustrates that, with proper certification and market access, carbon credits can significantly impact the financial sustainability of recycling enterprises. However, the current market for these credits is still small, and without guaranteed sales, the approach carries inherent uncertainties. The report by ORCA, commissioned by Invest-NL, recommends early certification and suggests temporary government intervention as a buyer or prefinancier to help stabilize the market [1][2].
Towards a Sustainable Future
Invest-NL’s exploration of carbon credits is part of a broader strategy to mobilize capital for circular innovations. This initiative builds on previous efforts to enhance the business case for recyclers through both cost reduction and new revenue models. The organization calls on recyclers, policymakers, and investors to collaborate on developing methodologies and expanding market access, which will ultimately strengthen the earning capacity of plastic recyclers and accelerate the transition to a climate-neutral economy [1][2].