The Plastic Recycling Industry Continues Its Efforts to Achieve EU Targets

26 May 2022

Total installed plastic recycling capacity in EU27+3 in 2020 increased by 1.1 million compared to the previous year. The new figures also show the resilience of the plastics recycling industry to make plastics circular. This extraordinary growth in the sector, which took place despite the difficulties brought by the pandemic, was possible thanks to the increasing demand driven by the new directive targets.

Data shows that PET, flexible PO and rigid HDPE & PP hold the largest share of total plastic recycling capacity, representing approximately 80%. Additionally, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and France have the highest capacity for plastic waste recycling.

Rigid HDPE & PP recorded the highest increase in recycling capacities, at over 20%, while flexible PO grew by approximately 10%. Rapid technological advances in collection, separation and recycling were among the factors that facilitated these developments. "New business models are creating a wide range of opportunities in our industry," said Ton Emans, President of Plastic Recyclers Europe. "This also applies to film-to-film recycling, which was once considered difficult. Today it is proof that the market is maturing."

With a turnover of €7.7 billion and a total installed recycling capacity of 9.6 million tonnes, European recyclers are an important piece of the puzzle in handling plastic waste and play a key role in contributing to a carbon-neutral Europe. Comprehensive regulatory support will enable plastic recycling capacities to triple by 2030, paving the way for additional collection and high-quality sorting tonnages, while encouraging investments in recycling technologies and infrastructures.

Riding on the momentum of this growth, recyclers are at the forefront of the fight to circularize plastics as they continue to collaborate with actors from across the value chain.

Source: plastics-recyclers-europe.prezly.com

The plastic recycling industry continues its efforts to achieve EU targets.

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