A new analysis by the think tank adelphi shows that four key design principles can measurably improve packaging recycling in Europe - and make it more cost-efficient. Why now is the right time to set the course.
Around 80 million tonnes of packaging waste are generated in the European Union every year - and much of it could be recycled much more efficiently. This is the key finding of a new study by the Berlin-based think tank adelphi, which analysed the design and management of national packaging systems in eight EU member states.
The core message: It is not just technical requirements or collection rates that determine success, but above all the Governance - i.e. how responsibilities and tasks are distributed between producers, authorities and organisations. Countries in which producer organisations (so-called PROs - Producer Responsibility Organisations) complete operational and material control about the system and bear all costs, perform significantly better.
Four principles for efficient packaging recycling
The adelphi study identifies four design features, which, in combination, lead to measurably better recycling rates and lower system costs:
Operational responsibilityThe PROs control the entire process - from collection to sorting and recycling.
Material responsibilityThey control the material flow, i.e. which packaging is handled and how.
Full cost coverage by the manufacturer: To create incentives to increase efficiency.
Independent supervisionTransparent monitoring by independent authorities.
According to the study, systems with these properties deliver not only better ecological results, but are also more cost-stable and innovation-friendly.
Germany in the top third of performers - but with room for improvement
The country analysis shows that Germany already achieves relatively high recycling rates. The weighted rate for household plastics is 76.1 %, if seized PET is taken into account. Belgium follows with 60.8 %. For glass, Belgium is ahead with 97.8 % and Germany with 88.5 %.
Another key result: Nationally organised competition between PROs can further increase performance - as long as there is clear manufacturer responsibility and transparent structures.
A „now or never“ moment for setting the political course
The background to the publication is the ongoing implementation process of the new EU packaging regulation (PPWR) and the national reforms within the Circular Economy Act (CEA). Decisions in the years 2025 and 2026 regarding Supervisory structures, allocation of roles, tenders or data managementwill characterise packaging recycling for a decade.
„Accountability is the foundation, competition acts as an accelerator. When PROs take over operational control and management of material flows, countries can achieve higher recycling rates per euro invested.“ (Co-author Paolo Facco)
The Berlin-based think tank adelphi describes itself as one of Europe's leading think-and-do tanks for the environment, climate and sustainable development. With a team of over 300 employees, adelphi advises politics, business and society - both nationally and internationally - with the aim of developing transformative solutions for a sustainable world. The current study was developed in the context of the organisation's many years of work on ecological governance systems and sustainable resource policy.
Study and webinar
Die vollständige Studie kann hier heruntergeladen werden. Mitte November stellen die Autoren die Ergebnisse zudem im Rahmen eines kostenlosen Webinars vor. Eine Anmeldung ist auf der Website von adelphi möglich.
