European plastics recycling industry in deepening crisis, new data reveals
Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE) released a report on the plastics recycling industry in Europe. The industry is entering its sharpest decline, with turnover down 5.5%, which puts at risk Europe’s circular economy, industrial resilience and thousands of local jobs.
“Plastics Recycling Industry Figures 2024”, the latest annual report, shows the largest capacity contraction ever recorded. Preliminary 2025 data reveal a 50% rise in recycling facility closures, resulting in the loss of nearly one million tons of European recycling capacity over just three years.
With a total installed capacity of 13.5 million tons in 2024, plastics recycling in Europe remains well below the 6% annual growth required to achieve the PPWR targets.
The sector is facing growing pressure from high production and energy costs, falling demand, and increasing volumes of low-priced, unregulated imports from outside the region. Polyolefin films and PET are most severely affected, each accounting for 25% of total closures in 2023-2024.
The data highlights issues that threaten the long-term viability of plastics recycling within Europe.
“Now is the time to stand united for the sector. We call on the EU institutions and national policymakers to act decisively and implement supportive measures to preserve the sector and Europe's circular economy,” stated Ton Emans, President of Plastics Recyclers Europe.
The organization suggests that priority actions should be done, including establishing fair and enforced market regulations, implementing stronger controls on imports, cutting energy costs and harmonizing reporting requirements via third-party certification across the region.
