Plastics – the Facts 2020
An analysis of European plastics
production, demand and waste data

Plastics—the Facts is an analysis of the data related to the production, demand and waste management ofplastic materials. It provides the latest business information on production and demand, trade, recovery
as well as employment and turnover in the plastics industry. In short, this report gives an insight into theindustry’s contribution to European economic growth and prosperity throughout the life cycle of the material.
The data presented in this report was collected by PlasticsEurope (the Association of Plastics Manufacturers
in Europe) and EPRO (the European Association of Plastics Recycling and Recovery Organisations).
PlasticsEurope’s Market Research and Statistics Group (PEMRG) provided input on the production anddemand of plastic raw materials. Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH helped assess waste collection andrecovery data. Official statistics from European or national authorities and waste management organisations
have been used for recovery and trade data, where available. Research or expertise from consultants
completed gaps. Figures cannot always be directly compared with those of previous years due to changes
in estimates.
Some estimates from previous years have been revised in order to track progress, e.g. for use and recoveryof plastics across Europe over the past decade. All figures and graphs in this report show data for EU-28
plus Norway and Switzerland, which is referred to as Europe for the purposes of abbreviation –other countrygroups are explicitly listed.

This current report mainly focuses on 2019 figures for the plastics industry. Only pages 60
and 61 take into consideration 2020 trends and therefore show estimation of the COVID-19
pandemic effect on the European plastics industry.

COMMITTED TO A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
The plastics industry is vital for Europe’s economy and its recovery plan. Together, the plastic raw
materials producers, plastics converters, plastics recyclers, and machinery manufacturers, represent avalue-chain that employs over 1.5 million people in Europe, through more than 55,000 companies, mostof the them SMEs, operating in all European countries. In 2019, these companies created a turnover ofover 350 billion euros and contributed to more than 30 billion euros to European public finances.
Over the last century, plastics have offered innovative solutions to society’s permanent evolving needs
and challenges. Versatile, durable, and incredibly adaptable, plastics are a family of remarkable
materials with science and innovation in their DNA.
Nowadays, they allow us to meet a myriad of functional and aesthetic demands, from drinking cleanwater, playing sport, staying connected, enjoying the comfort of home and the efficiency of clean
mobility, or helping us to live longer and healthier lives.
Plastics define the way we live today. They improve the quality of life for millions of people acrossthe globe by making our lives easier, safer and more enjoyable, while they are key to accelerate theEuropean transition to a low-carbon circular economy where resources and energy are utilised in themost effective way.
Plastics will continue to shape our present and our future, however, we will not be able to achieve thefull potential of these extraordinary materials if we do not address the global challenges linked to their
negative impact when they end-up in the environment.
Plastic waste is unacceptable in any habitat and this is PlasticsEurope’s and the plastics industry’s
top priority at all times. Global issues demand global approaches and global solutions. Strong
partnerships between an interconnected plastics value chain and all stakeholders, be they local,
national or global, are needed to solve this problem and to develop innovative, sustainable solutions.
By working hand in hand with all relevant parties, we can create a framework to boost the circular
economy for plastics and develop a collective blueprint to accelerate our transformation to a moresustainable future.
Our commitment as an industry is to relentlessly focus on ensuring that plastics continue to deliversocietal benefits while having a positive impact on the environment.

THE CIRCULARITY OF PLASTICS
In order to increase circularity, it is important to analyse the life cycle of plastics, from production
to recycling and closing the loop. The use-phase is critical to understand its life cycle.

Exports

Exports
Imports

PRODUCTION
of plastic raw material
6

Feedstock fromchemical recycling

Imports

CONVERSION
to plastic partsand products

PRODUCTION
of recyclates

Importsof recyclates
Exportsof recyclatesToday, 60% of plastic products and parts have a use phase between 1 and 50 years, or even more.
This lapse of time determines when they will potentially become waste.
This is why, in a single year, the quantity of collected plastic waste does not match the quantityof production or consumption.

LANDFILL
7

CONSUMPTION:
Private &industrial
end-users

USE
PHASE

WASTE
COLLECTION

ENERGYRECOVERYSENT TORECYCLING

Reuse and repair

Input into European recycling plants

EXPORTSSURPLUSfor recycling

PLASTICS: INNOVATION DRIVEN MATERIALS
Plastics are an immense family of unique and versatile materials. Science and innovation are
in the DNA of these materials who were designed to offer alternative and sustainable solutions
to society’s needs and challenges.
The very first plastic material was invented in the middle of the 19th century and since then,based on their illimited innovative potential, plastics have shaped the world and continue
to offer sustainable solutions to our fast-changing needs.

8

Today, the plastics family is composed by a myriad of fit for purpose and resource
efficient materials that allow society to have access to clean water and effective
sewage systems, safe food, energy efficient homes, green transport, global
connectivity, renewable energies or affordable and hygienic healthcare, justto mention a few.
Still today, most plastic materials are fossil based and are produced from oilor gas. However, in the long term, plastics production should decouple
from fossil feedstock. Which means that, in the future, the vast majorityof plastics will be produced from alternative feedstocks, such as recycledoils or secondary plastics, responsibly sourced biomass, or even CO2.

Thermoplastics

Thermosets

Family of plastics that can be melted when heated and hardened
when cooled. These characteristics, which lend the material its
name, are reversible. That is, it can be reheated, reshaped andfrozen repeatedly.

Family of plastics that undergo a chemical change when heated,creating a three dimensional network. After they are heated andformed these plastics cannot be re-melted and reformed.

Polyethylene (PE)Polypropylene (PP)Polyvinyl-chloride (PVC)
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Polystyrene (PS)Expanded polystyrene (EPS)ABS
SAN
Polyamides (PA)Polycarbonate (PC)Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA)
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)
Polyarylsulfone (PSU)
Fluoropolymers
PEEK
POM
PBT
EVOH
Etc.

Polyurethane (PUR)
Unsaturated polyesters
Epoxy resins
Melamine resins
Vinyl esters
Silicone
Phenol - formaldehyde resins
Urea - formaldehyde resins
Phenolic resins
Acrylic resins
Etc.

9

#1
Contribution
to European
society

KEY FIGURES OF THE EUROPEAN
PLASTICS INDUSTRY
The European plastics industry includes plastics raw materials
producers, plastics converters, plastics recyclers and plastics
machinery manufacturers in the EU28 Member States.

JOBS
12

Over 1.5 million
peopleThe plastics industry gives direct employment tomore than 1.56 million people in Europe

TURNOVER

More than 350
billion euros

The European plastics industry had a turnoverof more than 350 billion euros in 2019

COMPANIES

55,000companies

An industry with over 55,000 companies,
most of them SME’s

TRADE BALANCE

13 billion
euros

The European plastics industry has
a positive trade balance of 13.1 billion
euros in 2019
* Data including only plastics raw materials
producers and plastics converters

PUBLICFINANCES

Close to 30
billion euros

The European plastics industry contributed
to 28.5 billion euros to public finances andwelfare in 2019

MULTIPLIER
EFFECTx2.4 in GDP andalmost x3 in jobs

The European plastics industry has a multipliereffect of 2.4 in GDP and almost 3 in jobs** The European House Ambrosetti study, data for Italy, 2013
13

INDUSTRIAL
VALUE ADDED

7th in Europe

The European plastics industry ranks 7th in Europe inindustrial value added contribution. At the same level
as the pharmaceutical industry* and very close to thechemical industry* Measured by gross value added at factor prices, 2013

RECYCLING

9.4 million
tonnesIn 2018, 9.4 million tonnes of plastic postconsumer waste were collected in Europe
to be recycled (inside and outside the EU)

#2
Plastics:
production
and tradeWORLD AND EU PLASTICS
PRODUCTION DATASOURCE: PlasticsEurope Market
Research Group (PEMRG)
and Conversio Market &Strategy GmbH

En 2019, global plastics production almost reached 370 million tonnes.
In Europe, plastics production almost reached 58 million tonnes.

16

World

2018

(EU28+NO/CH)

2019

359

368

2018

2019

61.8

57.9

million tonnes

million tonnes

million tonnes

EuropeIncludes Thermoplastics,
polyurethanes, thermosets,elastomers, adhesives, coatingsand sealants and PP-fibers.
Not included: PET-fibers,
PA-fibers and Polyacryl-fibers

million tonnes

DISTRIBUTION OF GLOBAL
PLASTICS PRODUCTION

SOURCE: PlasticsEurope
Market Research Group(PEMRG) and Conversio
Market & Strategy GmbHIn 2019 China reached 31% of world's plastics production.
World plastics* production: 368 million tonnes.

* Includes Thermoplastics,
polyurethanes, thermosets,elastomers, adhesives, coatingsand sealants and PP-fibers.
Not included: PET-fibers,
PA-fibers and Polyacryl-fibers

CIS

Europe3%

16%Middle East,
Africa

NAFTA

19%

Asia

51%

17

7%
31% China

Latin
America

4%3% Japan
17% Rest of Asia

TOTAL TRADE BALANCESOURCE: Eurostat

In 2019, the industry reached a positive trade balance of more than 13 billion euros.

Plastics manufacturing extra EU28
Extra-EU exportsbn€

Extra-EU imports

Plastics processing extra EU28
Extra-EU exports

bn€

30

Extra-EU imports

20

25
20

15

15

10

10

Extra-EU

7.5 trade balance

5

5.6 Extra-EU

5

trade balance

19
20

20
17
20
18

15

16
20

20

20

19
20

20
17
20
18

15

16
20

14

20

14

0

0
20

18

TOP EXTRA EU TRADE PARTNERSIN VALUE

SOURCE: Eurostat

In 2019, the USA was the most important trade partner of the European plastics industry.

Plastics manufacturing
USA

25.3%

Plastics manufacturing
USA

13.5%

S. Korea

13.7%

China

13.0%

Saudi Arabia

10.2%

Turkey

12.5%

China

7.6%

Russia

6.7%

Switzerland

6.3%

Switzerland

6.2%
19

2019 Extra EU EXPORTS

2019 Extra EU IMPORTS

Plastics processing

Plastics processing

USA

23.9%

USA

17.0%

China

14.9%

Switzerland

9.6%

Switzerland

11.7%

China

9.0%

Turkey11.4%

Russia

8.1%

Japan

6.0%

Turkey5.5%

#3
Plastics:
marketdemand22

PLASTICS DEMAND BY COUNTRY2018 AND 2019

SOURCE: PlasticsEurope
Market Research Group(PEMRG) and Conversio Market& Strategy GmbH

Distribution of European (EU28+NO/CH) plastics converters
demand by countries in 2018 and 2019.
Germany
Italy
FranceSpain
United Kingdom
PolandBelgium / Lux.
Netherlands
Czech Republic
Austria
Portugal
SwedenHungary
Romania
Switzerland
GreeceFinlandDenmark
Slovakia
Bulgaria
Ireland
NorwaySlovenia
Lithuania
Croatia
LatviaEstonia
Cyprus / Malta

7.8 %
7.1 %

9.5 %

7%

13.8 %

more than 3 million tonnes

50.7 Million
tonnesEuropean demandless than 0,5 million tonnes

2019

2018

24.2 %

23

PLASTICS DEMANDBY SEGMENT 2019

SOURCE: PlasticsEurope
Market Research Group(PEMRG) and Conversio
Market & Strategy GmbH

Distribution of European (EU28+NO/CH) plastics converters demand bysegment in 2019. Packaging and building & construction by far represent
the largest end-use markets. The third biggest end-use market is theautomotive industry.

39.6 %

PACKAGING

20.4 %
24

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION

9.6 %AUTOMOTIVE

6.2 %ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC

4.1 %HOUSEHOLD, LEISURE & SPORTS

3.4 %AGRICULTURE

16.7 %OTHERS

Others include appliances, mechanical engineering,furniture, medical, etc.

50.7 Million
tonnesTotal European
plastics converters
demandPLASTICS DEMAND
BY RESIN TYPE 2019

SOURCE: PlasticsEurope
Market Research Group(PEMRG) and Conversio
Market & Strategy GmbH

Distribution of European (EU28+NO/CH) plastics converters
demand by resin type in 2019.
Leading polymers are the polyolefins (PE & PP).
Mt
10
9
8
7

25

6
5
4
3
2
1
0

PE-LD PE-HD
PE-LLD PE-MD

PP

PS

EPS

PVC

PET

2018

ABS
SAN

PMMA

2019

PA

PC

Other
ETP

PUR

Other
plastics

PLASTICS DEMAND DISTRIBUTION
BY RESIN TYPE 2019

SOURCE: PlasticsEurope
Market Research Group(PEMRG) and Conversio Market& Strategy GmbH

Data for EU28+NO/CH.

Includes other thermosets suchas phenolic resins, epoxide
resins, melamine resins, urea
resins and others

Bottles for water, soft drinks,
juices, cleaners, etc.

7.5 %

EP

S

OTHE
R
PL AST
IC

7.9 %

+

S

PE-LD / PE

-LLD

PET

-H
PE

PU

D

-M

10 %

PE

Window frames, profiles, floor andwall covering, pipes, cable insulation,
garden hoses, inflatable pools, etc.

17.4 %

Reusablebags, trays
and containers,
agricultural film,
food packaging
film, etc.

D/

7.9 %

Food packaging, sweet and snack
wrappers, hinged caps, microwave
containers, pipes, automotive parts,
bank notes, etc.

S

R

Building insulation, pillows aand mattresses, insulating foams
for fridges, etc.

PP

PS

PVC

26

6.2 %

19.4 %T

Food packaging (dairy, fishery), building
insulation, electrical & electronicequipment, inner liner for fridges,
eyeglasses frames, etc.

11.3 %ER ASTICS
OTHEHRMOPL

Hub caps (ABS); optical fibers (PBT); eyeglasses lenses,
roofing sheets (PC); touch screens (PMMA); cable coatingin telecommunications (PTFE); and many others in aerospace,
medical implants, surgical devices, membranes, valves& seals, protective coatings, etc.

12.4 %
Toys, milk bottles, shampoo
bottles, pipes, houseware, etc.

PLASTICS DEMANDBY SEGMENT AND POLYMERTYPE IN 2019

SOURCE: PlasticsEurope
Market Research Group(PEMRG) and Conversio
Market & Strategy GmbH

Data for EU28+NO/CH.

Total 50.7 Million tonnes

Others

16.7%

th

PU

M

SA
N

PM

S,
AB

EP

EM
/P

ELL

-H
D

/P
PE

D
-L
PE

R

4.1%

O
pl th
as er
tic
s

Household,Leisure& Sports

PC
er
m Ot
op he
la r
st
ic
s

3.4%

PA

Agriculture

A

6.2%

PE
T

Electrical& Electronic

PV
C

9.6%

S

Automotive

PS

20.4%

PP

Building &Construction

D

39.6%

D

Packaging27

#4
Plastics:
end-of-life
management

PLASTIC POST-CONSUMER WASTE
TREATMENT IN 2018

SOURCE: Conversio Market& Strategy GmbHIn 2018, 29.1 million tonnes of plastic waste were collected in the EU28+NO/CH
in order to be treated. Plastic waste exports outside the EU have decreasedby 39% from 2016 to 2018.

29.1 M t

Collected plastic
post-consumer waste-39%

Plastic waste
extra-EU exports

42.6%
32.5%
24.9%

30

2016
2018

ENERGYRECOVERYRECYCLING

LANDFILLSINCE 2006, THE AMOUNTOF PLASTIC WASTE SENT TORECYCLING HAS DOUBLED

SOURCE: Conversio Market& Strategy GmbH*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth
Rate is the mean annual growth rateover a specific period of time

However, 25% of plastic post-consumer waste was still sent to landfill in 2018.

2006-2018 evolution of plastic post-consumer waste treatment(EU28+NO/CH)+100%
RECYCLING

CAGR*
development
2018 vs. 2016
Milliontonnes4.8%-44%
LANDFILL+77%
ENERGYRECOVERY+19%
COLLECTED PLASTIC
POST-CONSUMERWASTE 2006-2018

15
12.5

31

12.9
12.4

10

5.7%

9.4
7.5
5

18
20

16
20

14
20

12
20

11
20

10
20

09
20

08
20

07

0
06

24.5 M t

Total waste
collected

4.7

2029.1 M t

2.5

20

-1.1%

7.2

7.0

ZERO LANDFILLING IS NEEDED TO ACHIEVE
THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY OF PLASTICS

SOURCE: Conversio Market& Strategy GmbHCountries with landfill restrictions of recyclable and recoverable waste have, on average,
higher recycling rates of plastic post-consumer waste.

Plastic post-consumer waste rates of recycling,energy recovery and landfill per country in 2018
100%

100%

80%

80%

60%

60%

40%

40%

20%

20%

RECYCLING

Sw
itz
erl
an
Ne Aust d
the riarla
Ge ndsLux rmaem nybo
Sw urged
Fin en
la
Be nd
lgi
De um
nm
a
No rk
rwa
y
Est
on
Un
ite Irel ia
d K aning ddSlo omven
Fra ia
nce
Ita
Po ly
rtu
ga
Sp l
Cz Lith ain
ech uaRe niapub
Po liclan
Slo dva
Hu kiang
Ro arymani
Lat a
Cro viaa
Bu tialga
Cy ria
pru
Gre s
ec
Ma e
lta

32

ENERGYRECOVERYLANDFILLCountries withlandfill restriction
implemented

RECYCLING IS THE FIRST OPTION FOR
PLASTIC PACKAGING WASTE

SOURCE: Conversio Market& Strategy GmbH
*From household, industrial
and commercial packaging

In 2018, 17.8 million tonnes of plastic post-consumer packaging waste werecollected in order to be treated.

Plastic PACKAGING* waste treatment in 2018 (EU28+NO/CH)

17.8

M t Collected plastic post-consumer
packaging waste

RECYCLING

ENERGYRECOVERY

42%
39.5%
18.5%

LANDFILL

33

SINCE 2006, THE QUANTITY OF PLASTIC
POST-CONSUMER PACKAGING WASTE SENTTO RECYCLING HAS INCREASED BY 92%
2018 data show a positive trend for recycling, however more than 18%of the waste is still sent to landfill.

4.6%*From household, industrial andcommercial packaging**CAGR: Compound Annual Growth
Rate is the mean annual growth rateover a specific period of time

2006-2018 evolution of plastic PACKAGING* waste treatment(EU28+NO/CH)CAGR** development
2018 vs. 2006

+92%
RECYCLING

Milliontonnes34

SOURCE: Conversio Market& Strategy GmbH

-54%
LANDFILL+84%
ENERGYRECOVERY+19%
COLLECTED PLASTIC
POST-CONSUMERWASTE 2006-2018

8
7.2

7.5
7

6

4.1%

4

3.9
3.3

3.8

-1.2%
2
17.8 M t

18
20

16
20

14
20

11

12
20

20

10
20

09

08

20

20

20

07

0
06

Total waste
collected

20

14.9 M t

PLASTIC PACKAGING RECYCLING

SOURCE: Conversio Market& Strategy GmbHThe new Directive (EU) 2019/852 on Packaging and Packaging Waste sets higher recycling
targets per material (50% for plastic packaging by 2025 and 55% by 2030), together witha new calculation method of recycling performances. This new method will start to be
applicable for data of the year 2020.
50%

Plastic PACKAGING* recycling rate**
per country in 2018

EU 28+2
packagingrecycling rate:
42%

40%

30%

20%

Recycling rates of plastic
packaging waste in Europe range
between 26% and 52%. Thiswide range can be explainedby differences in collection
schemes, available infrastructure
and consumer behaviour. On
average, the 42% recycling ofplastic packaging represent anincrease of 1.2 points versus 2016,
in particular thanks to improved
waste collection.

10%* From household, industrial
and commercial packaging** According to the current calculation
methods established in Directive 94/62/EC[1] Data 2017

Mechanical recycling

Malta
Ireland
Croati
a
Gree
ce
Hung
ary
Franc
e
Finla
nd

Italy
Unite
d Kin
gdom
Lithu
ania
Slova
kia
Slove
nia
Belgiu
m
Luxe
mbou
rg
Portu
gal
Roma
nia
Switz
erlan
d
Cypru
s
Polan
d
Bulga
ria
Austr
ia
Denm
ark

Czec
h Rep
ublic
Spain
Neth
erlan
ds [1
]
Germ
any
Eston
ia
Norw
ay
Swed
en
Latvia0%

Chemical recycling

35

#5
Plastics:
end-of-life management
in selected countries

PLASTIC WASTE
TREATMENT IN GERMANY*CAGR: Compound Annual
Growth Rate is the meanannual growth rate over a
specific period of time

In 2018, 5.3 million tonnes of plastic post-consumer waste were collected through official
schemes in order to be treated. From 2006 to 2018, the volumes for recycling increased
by 80%, energy recovery increased by 73% and landfill decreased by 80%.
CAGR*
development
2018 vs. 2016

+2.4%
RECYCLING

Incl. chemical recycling: 0.2%

1,112

1,000
500

174

35
18
20

16
20

14
20

12
20

11
20

20

10

0
09

Total waste
collected

1,873

20

3,599 kt
2006

1,500

08

5,322 kt
2018

2,055
2,000

07

-7.6%
LANDFILL

2,500

20

+2.5
ENERGYRECOVERY

0.6%

3,233

3,000
%

60.7%

3,500

06

38

kilo
tonnes20

38.6%

2006-2018 evolution of plastic
post-consumer waste treatment

20

Plastic postconsumer waste
treatment
in 2018

PLASTIC PACKAGINGWASTE TREATMENT IN GERMANYMM*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth
Rate is the mean annual growth rateover a specific period of time

In 2018, 3.1 million tonnes of plastic post-consumer packaging** waste were collected
through official schemes in order to be treated. From 2006 to 2018, the volume of plastic
PACKAGING waste collected for recycling increased by 75%, energy recovery increased
by 75% and landfill decreased by 95%.

**From household, industrial
and commercial packaging

CAGR*
development
2018 vs. 2016

Plastic
packagingwaste treatment
in 2018+2%
RECYCLING

50%

2006-2018 evolution of plastic PACKAGING**
waste treatmentkilo
tonnes
2,000

39

1,572
+2.1
ENERGYRECOVERY
%

50%

1,500

1,571

1,000 955
898
500

3,145 kt
2018

18
20

16
20

14
20

11

12
20

10

20

20

09
20

07

08
20

20

Total waste
collected

2

006

2,132 kt
2006

44

20

0%
LANDFILL

0%PLASTIC WASTE
TREATMENT IN UK*CAGR: Compound Annual
Growth Rate is the meanannual growth rate over a
specific period of time

In 2018, close to 4 million tonnes of plastic post-consumer waste were collected throughofficial schemes in order to be treated. From 2006 to 2018, the volumes for recycling
increased by x2.4, energy recovery increased by x6.8 and landfill decreased by 66%.
CAGR*
development
2018 vs. 2016

Plastic postconsumer waste
treatment
in 2018+2.1%
RECYCLING

32%
40

2006-2018 evolution of plastic
post-consumer waste treatmentkilo
tonnes
3,500
3,000
2,500

2,590

2,000

500

525

882

231
16
20

14
20

11

12
20

20

10
20

09

08

20

07

0
20

Total waste
collected

1,000

20

3,346 kt
2006

1,261

06

3,945 kt
2018

1,500

20

-11.1%LANDFILL

22.4%

1,802

18

45.7%

20

+11.8
ENERGYRECOVERY%PLASTIC PACKAGINGWASTE TREATMENT IN UKNN

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth
Rate is the mean annual growth rateover a specific period of time

In 2018, 2.3 million tonnes of plastic post-consumer packaging** waste were collected
through official schemes in order to be treated. From 2006 to 2018, the volume of plastic
PACKAGING waste collected for recycling increased by x2.2, energy recovery increasedby x6.2 and landfill decreased by 77%.

**From household, industrial
and commercial packaging

CAGR*
development
2018 vs. 2016

Plastic
packagingwaste treatment
in 2018+1.5%
RECYCLING

44.2%+14.8%
ENERGYRECOVERY

41.9%

2006-2018 evolution of plastic PACKAGING**
waste treatmentkilo
tonnes
2,000

41

1,500
1,461

1,044

1,000
989

-18.6%LANDFILL

18
20

16
20

14
20

11

12
20

10

20

20

09
20

08

07

Total waste
collected

329

138
20

2,080 kt
2006

0

481

20

2,362 kt
2018

06

500

20

13.9%

PLASTIC WASTE
TREATMENT IN ITALY*CAGR: Compound Annual
Growth Rate is the meanannual growth rate over a
specific period of time

In 2018, 3.6 million tonnes of plastic post-consumer waste were collected through official
schemes in order to be treated. From 2006 to 2018, the volumes for recycling increased
by 68%, energy recovery increased by 57% and landfill decreased by 48%.
CAGR*
development
2018 vs. 2016

Plastic postconsumer waste
treatment
in 2018+7.4%
RECYCLING

31.4%
42

2006-2018 evolution of plastic
post-consumer waste treatmentkilo
tonnes3,000
2,519

Incl. chemical recycling: 0.1%

2,500
2,000
1,500

18

16
20

14
20

11

12
20

10

20

20

09
20

08

0
07

Total waste
collected

681

20

3,357 kt
2006

500

1,194
1,144

759

20

3,640 kt
2018

1,000

06

35.8%

1,302

20

+1.1%
LANDFILL

20+1.5%
ENERGYRECOVERY

32.8%

PLASTIC PACKAGINGWASTE TREATMENT IN ITALYNN*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth
Rate is the mean annual growth rateover a specific period of time

In 2018, 2.3 million tonnes of plastic post-consumer packaging** waste were collected
through official schemes in order to be treated. From 2006 to 2018, the volume of plastic
PACKAGING waste collected for recycling increased by 62%, energy recovery increased
by 53% and landfill decreased by 67%.

**From household, industrial
and commercial packaging

CAGR*
development
2018 vs. 2016

Plastic
packagingwaste treatment
in 2018+7%RECYCLING

44.6%

+0.2%
ENERGYRECOVERY

43%

2006-2018 evolution of plastic PACKAGING**
waste treatmentkilo
tonnes
1,500

43

1,024

1,000
883

986

645
500

632

2,297 kt
2018

18

16
20

14
20

12
20

11

10

20

20

09
20

08
20

20

07

0
06

Total waste
collected

20

2,160 kt
2006

287

20

-2.4%
LANDFILL

12.5%

PLASTIC WASTE
TREATMENT IN FRANCE*CAGR: Compound Annual
Growth Rate is the meanannual growth rate over a
specific period of time

In 2018, 3.6 million tonnes of plastic post-consumer waste were collected through official
schemes in order to be treated. From 2006 to 2018, the volumes for recycling increased
by 79%, energy recovery increased by 35% and landfill decreased by 18%.
CAGR*
development
2018 vs. 2016

Plastic postconsumer waste
treatment
in 2018+6.8%
RECYCLING

24.2%
44

2006-2018 evolution of plastic
post-consumer waste treatmentkilo
tonnes

1,587

1,500
1,455

43.3%

+2.5%
ENERGYRECOVERY

32.5%

+3.4%
LANDFILL

1,189

1,178
1,000

887
500
495

3,663 kt
2018

18
20

16
20

14
20

12
20

11
20

10
20

09
20

07

08
20

06

0
20

Total waste
collected

20

3,128 kt
2006

PLASTIC PACKAGINGWASTE TREATMENT IN FRANCENN*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth
Rate is the mean annual growth rateover a specific period of time

In 2018, 2.3 million tonnes of plastic post-consumer packaging** waste were collected
through official schemes in order to be treated. From 2006 to 2018, the volume of plastic
PACKAGING waste collected for recycling increased by 41%, energy recovery increasedby 28% and landfill decreased by 9%.

**From household, industrial
and commercial packaging

CAGR*
development
2018 vs. 2016

+1.7%
ENERGYRECOVERY

42.9%

kilo
tonnes
1,500

45

1,008

1,000
796

723

790

2,352 kt
2018

16
20

14
20

11

12
20

10

20

20

09
20

08
20

07

0
20

Total waste
collected

440

06

2,026 kt
2006

621

500

20

+6.3%
LANDFILL

30.7%

18

+4.2%
RECYCLING

26.4%

2006-2018 evolution of plastic PACKAGING**
waste treatment

20

Plastic
packagingwaste treatment
in 2018

PLASTIC WASTE
TREATMENT IN SPAIN*CAGR: Compound Annual
Growth Rate is the meanannual growth rate over a
specific period of time

In 2018, 2.5 million tonnes of plastic post-consumer waste were collected through official
schemes in order to be treated. From 2006 to 2018, the volumes for recycling increasedby x2.3, energy recovery increased by 59% and landfill decreased by 41%.
CAGR*
development
2018 vs. 2016

Plastic postconsumer waste
treatment
in 2018+13%
RECYCLING

41.9%
46

2006-2018 evolution of plastic
post-consumer waste treatmentkilo
tonnes2,000
1,686+12.2%
ENERGYRECOVERY

19.3%

1,500
1,077
1,000

496

18
20

16
20

14
20

11

12
20

10

20

20

09
20

08
20

07

311
20

0

06

Total waste
collected

500 46720

2,569 kt
2018
2,476 kt
2006

996

-3.6%
LANDFILL

38.8%

PLASTIC PACKAGINGWASTE TREATMENT IN SPAINNN*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth
Rate is the mean annual growth rateover a specific period of time

In 2018, 1.6 million tonnes of plastic post-consumer packaging** waste werecollected through official schemes in order to be treated. From 2006 to 2018,the volume of plastic PACKAGING waste collected for recycling increased by 80%,
energy recovery increased by 10% and landfill decreased by 46%.

**From household, industrial
and commercial packaging

CAGR*
development
2018 vs. 2016

1,032
1,000

500
381
256

232

18
20

16
20

14
20

11

12
20

10

20

20

09
20

08

0
07

Total waste
collected

839
560

1,655 kt
2018
1,645 kt
2006

47

20

-2%
LANDFILL

33.8%

1,500

20

+1.2%
ENERGYRECOVERY

15.5%

kilo
tonnes06+10%
RECYCLING

50.7%

2006-2018 evolution of plastic PACKAGING**
waste treatment

20

Plastic
packagingwaste treatment
in 2018

PLASTIC WASTE
TREATMENT IN POLAND*CAGR: Compound Annual
Growth Rate is the meanannual growth rate over a
specific period of time

In 2018, 1.9 million tonnes of plastic post-consumer waste were collected through official
schemes in order to be treated. From 2006 to 2018, the volumes for recycling increasedby x2.7, energy recovery increased by x115 and landfill decreased by 21%.
CAGR*
development
2018 vs. 2016

Plastic postconsumer waste
treatment
in 2018
27.4%

+6.7%
RECYCLING

30.3%

+7.9%
ENERGYRECOVERY48

2006-2018 evolution of plastic
post-consumer waste treatmentkilo
tonnes
1,500

1,025
1,000
812
582
500
196

18
20

16
20

14
20

11

12
20

20

10
20

09
20

08

07

5
20

0

20

Total waste
collected

06

1,919 kt
2018
1,226 kt
2006

525

20

+3.4%
LANDFILL

42.3%

PLASTIC PACKAGINGWASTE TREATMENT IN POLANDNN*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth
Rate is the mean annual growth rateover a specific period of time

In 2018, 1 million tonnes of plastic post-consumer packaging** waste werecollected through official schemes in order to be treated. From 2006 to 2018,the volume of plastic PACKAGING waste collected for recycling increased by x2.1,
energy recovery increased by x70 and landfill decreased by 37%.

**From household, industrial
and commercial packaging

CAGR*
development
2018 vs. 2016

Plastic
packagingwaste treatment
in 2018+4.6%
RECYCLING

37.7%

+5.5%
ENERGYRECOVERY

32.8%

2006-2018 evolution of plastic PACKAGING**
waste treatmentkilo
tonnes
750

49

507
500

405
352

193

18
20

16
20

14
20

11

12
20

10

20

20

09
20

08
20

07

5
20

Total waste
collected

006

1,074 kt
2018
705 kt
2006

317

250

20

+7.6%
LANDFILL

29.5%

PLASTIC WASTE
TREATMENT IN NETHERLANDS*CAGR: Compound Annual
Growth Rate is the meanannual growth rate over a
specific period of time

In 2017, 0.9 million tonnes of plastic post-consumer waste were collected through official
schemes in order to be treated. From 2006 to 2018, the volumes for recycling increased by 79%,
energy recovery increased by 15% and landfill decreased by 97%.
CAGR*
development
2018 vs. 2016

Plastic postconsumer waste
treatment
in 2018
33.7%

+5.4%
RECYCLING

65.8%

+2.9%
ENERGYRECOVERY

50

2006-2018 evolution of plastic
post-consumer waste treatmentkilo
tonnes
1,000

617
537
500

-24.4%LANDFILL

316
177

18
20

16
20

14
20

11

12
20

10

20

20

09
20

08

07

4
20

Total waste
collected

137
20

851 kt2006

006

937 kt
2018

20

0.4%

PLASTIC PACKAGINGWASTE TREATMENT IN NETHERLANDSNN*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth
Rate is the mean annual growth rateover a specific period of time

In 2017, 0.5 million tonnes of plastic post-consumer packaging** waste were collected
through official schemes in order to be treated. From 2006 to 2017, the volume of plastic
PACKAGING waste collected for recycling increased by 74%, energy recovery decreasedby 19% and landfill decreased by 100%.

**From household, industrial
and commercial packaging

Plastic
packagingwaste treatment
in 2017
50.4%

49.6%

CAGR*
development
2018 vs. 2016

+8.9%
RECYCLING+5%ENERGYRECOVERY

2006-2017 evolution of plastic PACKAGING**
waste treatmentkilo
tonnes
400

51

315
300
258
254
200

0%

148

-100%
LANDFILL
100

50

0
17
20

16
20

14
20

11

12
20

10

20

20

09
20

08
20

20

07

0
06

Total waste
collected
512 kt201720

513 kt2006

PLASTIC WASTE
TREATMENT IN BELGIUM*CAGR: Compound Annual
Growth Rate is the meanannual growth rate over a
specific period of time

In 2018, 0.6 million tonnes of plastic post-consumer waste were collected through official schemesin order to be treated. From 2006 to 2018, the volumes for recycling increased by 56.7%,
energy recovery increased by 36.7% and landfill decreased by 83.6%.
CAGR*
development
2018 vs. 2016

Plastic postconsumer waste
treatment
in 2018+6.7%
RECYCLING

34%
52

2006-2018 evolution of plastic
post-consumer waste treatmentkilo
tonnes
500

390
+3.3%
ENERGYRECOVERY

64%

286
250

-3.3%
LANDFILL

210
134

18
20

16
20

14
20

11

12
20

10

20

20

09
20

08

07

10
20

Total waste
collected

61
20

481 kt2006

006

610 kt
2018

20

2%

PLASTIC PACKAGINGWASTE TREATMENT IN BELGIUMNN*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth
Rate is the mean annual growth rateover a specific period of time

In 2018, 0.3 million tonnes of plastic post-consumer packaging** waste were collected
through official schemes in order to be treated. From 2006 to 2018, the volumeof plastic PACKAGING waste collected for recycling increased by 38%,
energy recovery increased by 45% and landfill decreased by 100%.

**From household, industrial
and commercial packaging

CAGR*
development
2018 vs. 2016

Plastic
packagingwaste treatment
in 2018+3.2%
RECYCLING

42.9%

2006-2018 evolution of plastic PACKAGING**
waste treatmentkilo
tonnes
200

53

198
+3.2%
ENERGYRECOVERY

57.1%

150

149

137
100 108

0%
LANDFILL

0.6%

50
347 kt
2018

0
18
20

16
20

14
20

11

12
20

20

10
20

09

08

20

20

20

07

0
06

Total waste
collected

20

276 kt
2006

31

#6
Plastics:
turning waste into
new resources

PLASTICS: MECHANICALRECYCLING PROCESSIn 2018, close to 5 million tonnes of plastic recyclates were producedin European recycling facilities.

END-OF-LIFE PRODUCTS

1

COLLECTION
Collection of end-of-life plastic
products from separate
and mix waste streams

2

FIRST SORTING
Separation of waste by type of material(plastics, aluminium,tinplate, cardboard,paper, etc.) and then by type of polymer

56

RECYCLED POLYMERS ALSOCALLED RECYCLATES

6SHREDDING

3EXTRUSION
Plastics flakes are finally converted
into homogenous pellets ready to use
in the manufacture of new products

5

SECOND SORTING AND CONTROL
Plastics are sorted again
and controlled before
sent to extrusion

Plastics are groundinto smaller pieces

WASHING

4

Shredded plastics are washedto remove dust and dirt

PLASTIC RECYCLATES:
WHERE ARE THEY USEDSOURCE: Conversio Market& Strategy GmbHIn 2018, from the 5 million tonnes of plastic recyclates produced in Europe, 80% re-entered
the European economy in order to manufacture new products. The rest was exported outside
Europe to re-enter other regions of the world’s economies.
BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION
AUTOMOTIVEPACKAGING

ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICAGRICULTURE

OTHERS

HOUSEWARE, LEISURE, SPORTS

24%
57

13%
11%
3%
2%
1%

46%

4 Million
tonnesPlastic recyclates usedin new productsin Europe#7
Plastics:
outlooks

SINCE 2018, WE CAN OBSERVEA DECLINE OF THE EUROPEAN PLASTICS
INDUSTRY PRODUCTION

SOURCE: Eurostat

The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly intensified this decline.

Plastics industry
production in EU27
( index 2015=100,
seasonallyadjusted data)

130
120

60

110
100
90
Plastics and rubbermachinery

80

Plastics in primary forms

70

20
03
20
04
20
05
20
06
20
07
20
08
20
09
20
10
20
11
20
12
20
13
20
14
20
15
20
16
20
17
20
18
20
19
20
20

Plastic products

PRODUCTION OF PLASTICS
IN PRIMARY FORMS, EU27

SOURCE: Eurostat

After a sharp drop in production due to COVID-19 in the first half of the year 2020,
production has started to recover again in the second half of the year.
Production of plastics in primary forms in the EU27 started to recover in June 2020.
The recovery will continue in the last quarter of 2020 and in 2021. However the speed of recovery
depends on the impact of the COVID-19 and on the demand for plastics from important customer
industries like automotive or building and construction sectors.
The production level before the COVID-19 pandemic will not be reached before 2022.

Estimated growth rate

110

61

2020: - 8.5%
Index 2015=100, on aquarterly basis; seasonallyand working day adjusted.

100

90
Production
primary plastics

80

Average annual index;
estimate for 2020

20
20

19
20

18
20

17
20

16
20

15
20

14
20

13
20

12
20

20

11

70

Glossary of terms
ABS

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin

PEEK

Polyetheretherketone

ASA

Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate resin

PE-HD

Polyethylene, high densitybnBillionPE-LD

Polyethylene, low density

CH

Switzerland

PE-LLD

Polyethylene, linear low density

CIS

Commonwealth of Independent States

PE-MD

Polyethylene, medium density

Conversio

Conversio Market & Strategy GmbHPEMRG

PlasticsEurope Market Research GroupEU

European Union

PET

Polyethylene terephthalate

EPRO

European Association of Plastics
Recycling and Recovery Organisations

Plastic materials Thermoplastics + Polyurethanes
PMMA

Polymethyl methacrylate

EPS

Expandable polystyrene

POM

Polyoxymethylene

ETP

Engineering Thermoplastics

PP

Polypropylene

GDP

Gross domestic product

PS

Polystyrene

ktKilo tonnes

PTFE

Polytetrafluoroethylene

Mt

Million tonnes

PUR

Polyurethane

NAFTA

North American Free Trade Agreement

PVC

Polyvinyl chloride

NO

NorwaySAN

Styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer

Thermoplastics

Standard plastics (PE, PP, PVC, PS, EPS,
PET [bottle grade]) + Engineering plastics(ABS, SAN, PA, PC, PBT, POM, PMMA,
Blends, and others including High
Performance Polymers)

Thermosets

Urea-formaldehyde foam, melamine resin,polyester resins, epoxy resins, etc.

Other plastics Thermosets, adhesives,
coatings and sealants
PA

Polyamides

PBT

Polybutylene terephthalate

PC

Polycarbonate

PE

Polyethylene

PlasticsEurope
PlasticsEurope is one of the leading European trade associations with centres in Brussels, Frankfurt, London, Madrid,
Milan and Paris. We are networking with European and national plastics associations and have more than 100 member
companies, producing over 90% of all polymers across the EU27 Member States plus Norway, Switzerland, Turkey and
UK. The European plastics industry makes a significant contribution to the welfare in Europe by enabling innovation,
creating quality of life to citizens and facilitating resource efficiency and climate protection. More than 1.5 million
people are working in more than 55,000 companies (mainly small and medium sized companies in the converting
sector) to create a turnover around 350 bn euros per year.
www.plasticseurope.org

EPRO (European Association of Plastics Recycling and Recovery Organisations)
EPRO is a pan-European partnership of specialist organisations that are able to develop and deliver efficient solutions
for the sustainable management of plastic waste, now and for the future. EPRO members are working to optimise
national effectiveness through international co-operation: by studying successful approaches, evaluating different
solutions and examining obstacles to progress. By working together EPRO members can achieve synergies that will
increase efficient plastics recycling and recovery. Currently 19 organisations in 14 European countries, South Africa
and Canada are represented in EPRO.
www.epro-plasticsrecycling.org

1040 Brussels – Belgium

12-2020

Rue Belliard 40, box 16
Phone +32 (0)2 792 30 99
info@plasticseurope.org
www.plasticseurope.org
www.plastics-themag.com@PlasticsEurope/plasticseurope

Konigin Astridlaan 59, bus 51780 Wemmel – Belgium
Phone +32 (0)2 456 84 49
info@epro-plasticsrecycling.org
www.epro-plasticsrecycling.org© 2020 PlasticsEurope. All rights reserved.