Eurostart has released the latest data on plastic packaging recycling in the European Union. The block recycled 41% of the plastic packaging waste generated in 2022, a very slight increase from the 39.7% registered in 2021.
In 2022, an average of 36.1 kg of plastic packaging waste was generated for each person living in the EU and, out of this, 14.7 kg were recycled. Between 2012 and 2022, the amount of generated plastic packaging waste increased by 7.6 kg per capita, while the recycled amount increased by 4.0 kg.
A total of 83.4 million tonnes of packaging waste was produced in the EU, equivalent to 186.5 kg per inhabitant. Compared with 2021, this represents a decrease of 3.6 kg per inhabitant, but an increase of 31.7 kg compared with 2012. Of the total packaging waste generated, 41% was paper and cardboard, 19% was plastic, 19% glass, 16% wood, and 5% metal.
Slovakia recorded the highest plastic packaging recycling rate at 60%, followed by Belgium (54%), Germany and Slovenia (51%). Latvia, Italy, the Netherlands, Czechia, Estonia, and Lithuania complete the top 10.
In contrast, the lowest rates were recorded in Malta (16%), Denmark (23%), France and Austria (25%).
As part of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, the EU has set a target to recycle 50% of plastic packaging waste by 2025 and 55% by 2030. The current target is 25%.
The bloc’s plastic packaging recycling rate has only marginally increased from the 38% recorded in 2012, when data started being documented.
Earlier this year, the European Commission opened an infringement procedure against all 27 EU member states for failing to meet the bloc’s 2020 waste collection targets and 2008 packaging recycling goals.
Slovakia, Belgium, Germany, and Slovenia seem set to meet the 2025 target set out in the Waste Directive assuming their plastic packaging recycling rate does not drop below 2022 levels. The other countries in the top 10 also seem to be on track. Sweden, Hungary, Austria, France, Denmark, and Malta will all have to improve their rates by more than 20%.
Source: sustainableplastics.com
