EU Circular economy gains momentum: PLEXIGLAS® proTerra for tomorrow’s mobility concepts

• PLEXIGLAS® proTerra products combine the proven virgin-material quality of PLEXIGLAS® with a reduced carbon footprint
• Depending on the product grade, they incorporate either mechanically recycled PMMA or sustainably certified raw materials
• PLEXIGLAS® proTerra combines the highest quality standards with a more responsible use of resources

For decades, innovations based on PLEXIGLAS®, Röhm’s branded polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), have set industry benchmarks. This premium acrylic material is synonymous with outstanding quality, durability, and maximum design freedom. Thanks to its unique property profile, PLEXIGLAS® has become an indispensable material in the automotive industry and is widely used for transparent and colored components such as lamp covers, light guides, lenses, decorative trims, and exterior body parts.

At the end of July 2026, the EU finally confirmed the new End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation. This is the first time that binding minimum quotas for the use of recycled plastics in vehicles will be introduced. By 2032, new vehicle models must contain at least 15 percent by weight of recycled plastics from post-consumer waste. From 2036, this proportion will increase to 25 percent by weight.

"We prepared for this scenario and can support our customers in the best possible way with our PLEXIGLAS® proTerra portfolio," says Hans-Peter Hauck COO at Röhm.

PLEXIGLAS® proTerra products combine the proven virgin-material quality of PLEXIGLAS® with a reduced carbon footprint. Depending on the product grade, they incorporate either mechanically recycled PMMA or sustainably certified raw materials. In this way, PLEXIGLAS® proTerra combines the highest quality standards with a more responsible use of resources.

Röhm has also demonstrated foresight in developing a circular economy for PMMA. Together with industry partners, the company has launched a Europe-wide recycling alliance that is advancing the development of collection, recycling, and recovery solutions for PMMA plastics. The aim is to make even larger volumes of high-quality recycled material available for demanding applications in the future. Interested companies are invited to join the alliance and play an active role in shaping the future of PMMA recycling in Europe.