2024-11-18 15:10:00
Plastic is no longer fantastic. Especially in Europe, which produced less in 2023 than in 2022. For the first time, it also recycled less, while the rest of the planet is still manufacturing more. A development deemed “threatening” for the transition by the Plastics Europe organization.
Last year, the 27 EU countries, the United Kingdom, Norway and Switzerland combined produced 54 million tonnes of virgin plastic (-8.3%), and 7.1 Mt of recycled plastic. (-7.8%), indicate the annual statistics released this Monday by the professional organization which brings together around a hundred companies producing more than 90% of all polymers in Europe.
“These figures contrast with global plastic production, which for its part increased by 3.4% last year, which highlights that Europe’s share has fallen further to reach only 12% of the market. global compared to 14% in 2022,” the organization underlined in a press release. “If it has maintained a positive trade balance in value, Europe has also become for the first time a net importer of plastic resins in volume in 2022 and of finished plastic products from 2021,” adds the text.
Between 2020 and 2023, exports of European plastic resins fell by 25.4%. “This shift threatens the viability of the European plastics value chain, which today employs more than 1.5 million people in 51,700 companies and has generated more than 365 billion euros in turnover in the EU in 2023,” adds Plastics Europe.
Main reason given for this decline: “the sudden increase in imports” of much cheaper resins in Europe, “from regions where environmental standards are less strict” such as in Asia, and/or from countries where energy is much cheaper, like in the United States.
A threat to the transition
Europe nevertheless remains the region of the world where the share of “circular” plastics (i.e. recycled or biosourced) is the highest, with 14.8% of local production, an increase of 0.7 % compared to 2022 (but slowing growth).
A few days before the opening of UN negotiations, in Busan, South Korea, to conclude an international treaty on the elimination of plastic pollution, Plastics Europe believes that “the erosion of European competitiveness threatens the transition of our industry towards circularity”.
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What are the key factors contributing to the decline in plastic recycling rates in Europe?
**Interview with Dr. Amelia Green, Environmental Policy Expert**
**Editor**: Welcome, Dr. Green. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the latest statistics on plastic production and recycling in Europe. What are your thoughts on the recent report indicating a decrease in both plastic production and recycling?
**Dr. Green**: Thank you for having me. The report highlights a significant shift in the plastic landscape in Europe. While a reduction in production sounds positive, especially considering the environmental implications of plastic pollution, the decrease in recycling is quite alarming. It suggests challenges in our systems for managing waste and recycling effectively.
**Editor**: That’s a crucial point. The statistics show a decline of 8.3% in the production of virgin plastic and a 7.8% drop in recycled plastic. How do you interpret this trend in the context of global plastic production?
**Dr. Green**: It’s indeed concerning. Despite Europe’s step back, global plastic production continues to rise. This juxtaposition reflects a potential disconnect in global environmental strategies. Europe had been at the forefront of promoting sustainability, so this decline in recycling could threaten our leadership in the global fight against plastic pollution.
**Editor**: The Plastics Europe organization branded this development as “threatening” for the transition towards more sustainable practices. What do you think is the root cause of this decline?
**Dr. Green**: There are several contributing factors. Economic pressures may compel companies to use cheaper, virgin plastic rather than investing in recycling technologies. Additionally, the infrastructure for recycling might not have kept pace with previous production levels. We may also be facing consumer fatigue regarding sustainability, which could impact recycling rates.
**Editor**: With these challenges in mind, what steps should European countries take moving forward to reverse these trends?
**Dr. Green**: We need a multi-faceted approach. First, investing in robust recycling technologies and infrastructure is essential. Governments should incentivize recycling programs and educate the public about the importance of recycling. Furthermore, policies that reduce the production of virgin plastics and promote circular economy principles can help shift the tide.
**Editor**: Thank you, Dr. Green, for your insights. It’s crucial for us to be aware of these changes and advocate for meaningful action in the realm of environmental sustainability.
**Dr. Green**: Thank you for shining a light on this important issue. Together, we can foster a more sustainable future.
