More plastic waste was exported from the EU last year

EU plastic waste exports increased by up to 18% in 2023, according to a study from Plastics Recyclers Europe.

There was a heavy destabilisation of the European plastics sector in 2023, according to the organisation representing European plastics' recyclers.

The study concluded that increased imports of recycled plastics in the EU was creating an unbalanced market with serious environmental consequences

Plastics Recyclers Europe says this combined with the EU's declining competitiveness and unlevel playing field is accelerating the EU's de-industrialisation.

It reports that more EU waste was landfilled and incinerated in 2023, leading to more pollution and jeopardising the objectives of the European Green Deal.

A seperate recent issue brief on PET and polyester found that decreased or no investment in the EU would lead to European greenhouse has emissions more than doubling by 2040, from more burning of waste. The PET recycling rate would fall between 32% and 38% by 2040, compared to the 67% estimated in the circular scenario.