The amount of packaging waste in the European Union fell slightly in 2023, but remained at a high level. According to the latest data from Eurostat, a total of 79.7 million tonnes of packaging waste was generated in the year in question - equivalent to 177.8 kg per inhabitant. Plastic packaging accounted for 19.8 % of this, i.e. an average of 35.3 kg per person.
While the total amount fell by 8.7 kg per capita compared to 2022, it is still 21.2 kg above the 2013 level. 14.8 kg of plastic packaging was recycled per capita, a slight increase compared to the previous year (+0.1 kg). Overall, the recycling rate of plastic packaging in the EU rose to 42.1 %, compared to 38.2 % in 2013.
Major differences between the member states
At the top of the European recycling statistics are Belgium (59.5 %), Latvia (59.2 %) and Slovakia (54.1 %). The lowest rates are recorded by Hungary (23.0 %), France (25.7 %) and Austria (26.9 %).
Despite slight progress in recycling, the increase in plastic packaging waste since 2013 (+6.4 kg per capita) remains a key challenge for the implementation of the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) and the achievement of the circular economy targets.
Source: Eurostat
