Plastic packaging recycling is growing, but much remains to be done.
When talking about sustainability in packaging And circular economy, the numbers help us understand where we are and where we can get to. Eurostat recently published updated data on the packaging waste management in Europe for the year 2023.
An interesting analysis which, despite some heterogeneity between the various member countries, offers a useful framework for evaluating the trend of the plastic recycling in the EU, a central theme for all companies in the sector such as Teamplast, specialized in flexible packaging in LDPE and HDPE.
79.7 million tonnes of packaging waste: the weight of packaging in Europe
In 2023, 1,000 new units were produced in the European Union. 79.7 million tons of packaging waste, equal to 177.8 kg per capita. This is a decrease compared to 2022 (-8.7 kg/inhabitant), but still more than 21 kg in excess compared to 2013.
What is surprising is the data relating to plastic packaging, which represent the 19.8% of the total. A percentage lower than that of paper and cardboard (40%), but still superior to the glass (18.8%) and to metals.
Specifically, every European citizen has generated 35.3 kg of plastic packaging waste, of which 14.8 kg were actually recycled.
A decade of change: 2013-2023
Looking at data over time 2013–2023, a clear trend emerges:
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+6.4 kg per capita plastic packaging waste generated;
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+3.8 kg per capita of plastic recycled in the same period;
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Recycling rate increased from 38.2% to 42.1%.
These numbers tell us that, despite the overall growth in consumption, The industry is making significant progress in the recovery and recycling of plastic materials. However, the gap between manufactured and recycled plastic remains significant and must be closed.
The recycling rate in the EU: Italy above average
Eurostat data also offer us a comparison between the various Member countries of the European Union. In 2023, the countries with the highest plastic packaging recycling rates are:
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Belgium: 59,5%
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Latvia: 59,2%
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Slovakia: 54,1%
At the other extreme we find:
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Hungary: 23,0%
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France: 25,7%
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Austria: 26,9%
And Italy? With a recycling rate just below 50%, our country is placed eighth in the standings, well above the European average (42.1%). A result that confirms the Italian commitment in recycling chain, above all thanks to the joint efforts of companies, consortia and citizens.
Flexible packaging and sustainability: Teamplast's vision
For a company like Teamplast, active from
years in the production of flexible packaging in LDPE and HDPE, these data represent a point of reference and an incentive to improve.
Invest in recyclable materials, in more efficient production processes and in the transparency of environmental certifications It is not only an ethical choice, but also a strategic one to face the new European regulations and the demands of a market that is increasingly attentive to environmental sustainability.
An image that is worth more than a thousand numbers
Below is a double infographic produced by Eurostat showing:
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The evolution of per capita plastic production and recycling in Europe between 2013 and 2023;
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The recycling rate of plastic packaging in individual EU countries in 2023.
Italy confirms itself as one of the countries most attentive to recycling, an encouraging sign for the entire supply chain. flexible packaging.
The Eurostat 2023 data give us back a clear picture: The Plastic packaging recycling is growing, but it is essential to continue working for improve environmental performance, investing in techinnovative technologies, sustainable materials and circular processes.
We at Teamplast Srl We believe in the value of change and we will continue to design tailor-made solutions for our customers, contributing to a more responsible future, one bag at a time.
Find out more on our commitment to sustainability in flexible packaging:
0532 894544
WhatsApp +39 388 797 5730
info@teamplast-srl.it
www.teamplast-srl.it
