November 29, 2024 17:02

Plants opening (few), Others Closing (more and more).
Plastic recycling in Europe is currently in a phase of uncertainty, caused by stagnant consumption, low virgin polymer prices compared with high energy costs, and increasing non-EU imports that do not always align with EU standards.
This trend is reflected in the latest report by the association of Plastics Recyclers Europe on installed capacities across the continent (EU27+3).

Last year, approximately 850 companies were active in plastic recycling, with a capacity of 13.2 million tons, representing 6% growth compared with 2022. While the positive growth figure might seem reassuring, it is the lowest increase since 2017. In the previous five years, capacity had doubled, with an average annual growth rate of 17%.

Though not technically a recession, it is not far from one, evoking the specter of stagnation while the EU pursues a green transition with ambitious recycling and recycled material usage goals expected to grow in the coming years.

From an economic perspective, it can indeed be called a recession: for the first time last year, the sector's revenue has decreased by 12.5% compared with 2022, amounting to approximately €9.1 billion.

“The challenges the EU's plastic recycling sector faced in 2022 have been confirmed by the latest figures for 2023,” said Ton Emans, president of Plastics Recyclers Europe. He added: “Additionally, investments have halved, with only €500 million in 2023 compared with €1 billion injected in 2022.”

Breaking down the details, the highest recycling capacity involves polyolefin films, with 3.5 million tons (26%), followed by PET (3–3.2 million tons, including 100,000 tons of trays) and rigid polyolefins. These three fractions together account for over three-quarters of the total European capacity. PVC follows with 1.1 million tons annually (70% rigid), along with remaining polymers or mixed fractions.

Chemical recycling remains marginal, with 150,000 tons available in 2023, mostly from pyrolysis.

At the national level, Germany has the largest installed capacity, ranging between 2 million and 2.5 million tons, followed by Spain with approximately 2 million tons, and the trio of Italy, the United Kingdom, and France, each with capacities between 1 million and 1.5 million tons.

Based on these figures, Plastics Recyclers Europe urges Member States and European Institutions to act now and enforce existing legislation to secure the competitiveness of the EU’s industry and ensure the steady growth of plastic recycling capacities.

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