Europe gradually paving the way towards responsible waste management
In 2018, an estimated 66% of packaging weight was recycled in Europe. It’s promising for sure, but results differ pretty significantly from one area to the other. Further mobilization across European countries is expected to reach the target set by the EU: recycling at least 70% of packaging weight by 2030. Here’s a snapshot of today’s major trends.
In 2018, an estimated 66% of packaging weight was recycled in Europe. It’s promising for sure, but results differ pretty significantly from one area to the other. Further mobilization across European countries is expected to reach the target set by the EU: recycling at least 70% of packaging weight by 2030. Here’s a snapshot of today’s major trends.
Northern trailblazers…and southern game-changers
Between Belgium (with 85% of packaging recycled in 2018) and Malta with (36%), wide disparities remain on both sides of the continent. It’s worth noting that most European countries find themselves between 60% and 70%.
The Maltese archipelago is followed by Hungary, the only other country that remains below the 50% mark (46%). Conversely, seven countries exceed 70%. Most of them are located in the North of the continent: Belgium is followed by the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Finland, Sweden and Denmark. But the example of Cyprus challenges the North/South status quo.
From 2008 to 2018, Cyprus increased its recycling rate from 34% to 70.2% thanks to considerable investment in local recycling infrastructure. To a lesser extent, Greece also posted a substantial increase in its recycling rate, rising from 43.8% to 63.6% over the same period. In other words, game-changing progress is possible everywhere.
Higher expectations, higher responsibilities
With time, the EU has continuously increased its recycling targets. In 1994, Europe settled on an imposed recycling rate of at least 55%, including 60% for glass, paper and cardboard. This objective was raised in 2018 with a minimum of 65% (by 2025). Today’s ambition of 70% highlights the growing expectations of EU members, encouraged by the strong backing of European citizens and local public authorities.
Recycling is good, reduction is better
Stricter EU rules aim to deal with the increasing quantities of packaging waste and to remove barriers in the internal market, mainly caused by EU countries adopting different guidelines on packaging design. Observers consider the implementation of these rules a success. Nevertheless, the amount of packaging waste in the EU hasn’t stopped its surge. The EU’s updated Packaging Directive underlines the pressing matter of harmonizing national measures and ensuring the adequate functioning of the internal market. Among other rules, EU countries are encouraged to ensure that producer responsibility schemes are established for all packaging by the end of 2024.
All aboard the European Green Deal!
Better waste management plays a significant part in transforming the EU into a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive circular economy, ensuring zero net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050 and economic growth decoupled from resource use. The European Commission has already adopted a comprehensive set of proposals to make all the Union’s policies fit for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. In other words, the framework is built and now is the time to act.
Answering the call
At Antalis, we know that together we have an extremely critical role to play in making our industry more responsible. By challenging our sourcing practices to the core and empowering our customers and partners to make more responsible choices, we are accelerating our transition to eco-responsible signs and displays.
Our goal? Making more sustainable visual communication the new normal.
Get in touch! Our sustainability experts are ready to discuss your needs, assess your applications and the products you currently use, and recommend the best alternatives.
