Fast facts: Tracking circular footprint of European plastics industry
Plastics Europe presented its new “Plastics – the fast Facts 2023”. The fast facts reveal global and European plastics production, trade partners and other key data.
The following are the four key takeaways from Plastics Europe’s report.
Continuous growth in recycled plastics: The world’s recycled plastics production continues to increase in 2022, with an 8.9% share of overall global plastics production, while Europe accounts for 21% of global recycled plastics production.
Global plastics production by polymer. (Source: Plastics Europe)
Faster growth in circular plastics: Proportionally, circular plastics production grew 16 times more than fossil-based plastics and reached a 19.7% share of overall European plastics production in 2022. For the global production, it has now reached a proportion of nearly 10%.
European plastics production by polymer. (Source: Plastics Europe)
Greater potential of chemical recycling: Europe produced more than 50% of the chemically recycled plastics globally in 2022.
With over EUR 8 billion of investment already announced and the legislative acceptance of the technology, the volume of chemical recycling plastics should increase significantly over the coming years.
Growing competitiveness pressures between Europe and the rest of the world: Europe’s share of global plastics production has fallen from 28% in 2002 to 14% in 2022. Reasons for European producers’ competitiveness pressures include high energy prices, a more stringent regulatory framework and access to raw materials.
It is also noted that China, followed by Europe, is the global leader in bio-based plastics production and recycling.
Click here to access the report infographics.
