In 2023, the European Union generated 79.7 million tonnes of packaging waste, averaging 177.8 kg per person. While this marks a reduction of 8.7 kg per capita compared to 2022, it remains 21.2 kg higher than in 2013.

Composition of packaging waste

Of the total packaging waste generated, 40.4% was paper and cardboard, 19.8% plastic, 18.8% glass, 15.8% wood, 4.9% metal, and 0.2% other materials.

Plastic packaging waste accounted for 35.3 kg per person in 2023, with 14.8 kg being recycled. This represents a decrease of 1.0 kg in generated plastic waste compared to 2022, while the amount recycled increased by 0.1 kg.

 Between 2013 and 2023, the amount of plastic packaging waste generated increased by 6.4 kg per capita, while the amount recycled increased by 3.8 kg.

Recycling rates across the EU

In 2023, the EU recycled 42.1% of all generated plastic packaging waste, an increase from 38.2% in 2013.

Belgium recorded the highest recycling rate at 59.5%, followed by Latvia (59.2%) and Slovakia (54.1%).

Conversely, the lowest rates were observed in Hungary (23.0%), France (25.7%), and Austria (26.9%).

Implications for sustainability

Despite improvements in recycling rates, the continued increase in plastic packaging waste per capita poses challenges to sustainability efforts.

Addressing this issue requires coordinated actions across EU member states to enhance recycling infrastructure and reduce packaging waste generation.