Plastics Europe: EU Plastic Recycling Declined in 2023

Earlier in October this year, Plastics Recyclers Europe warned about the downward trend in the European plastic recycling market.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The production of plastics has declined more sharply than anticipated, according to the most recent trade data released by Plastics Europe. Compared to 2022, the total amount of plastics produced in the EU fell by 8.3%, to 54 Mt.

7.1 Mt of mechanically recycled post-consumer plastics were produced, a 7.8% decrease from the previous year. Since 2018, this is the first decrease. Additionally, Europe produced just 0.12 million tons of chemically recovered plastic last year. On the other hand, the output of bio-based and bio-attributed plastics increased somewhat to reach 0.8 Mt.

The EU's plastics manufacturing figures stand in stark contrast to the 3.4% increase in global plastics production in 2023. Throughout the year, both China and the US reported increased output. Comparing the European market share to that of the worldwide market in 2006, it fell to 12% in 2023.

Plastics Recyclers Europe issued a warning about the declining European plastic recycling sector earlier in October of this year. Numerous reasons, particularly the overabundance of virgin plastic outside of Europe, have been exerting pressure on the market.

In order to increase the competitiveness of circular plastics production in the region, the trade organization emphasized the necessity of further assessing the fiscal and economic policies of EU member states. In terms of overall output, Europe continues to produce the largest proportion of circular plastics.

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