Plastics –the Facts 2022

OCTOBER 2022

Plastics - the Facts is an analysis of the latest data
related to plastics production, demand, conversion
and waste management in Europe. It also provides
information on key figures of the European plastics
industry. In short, this report gives an insight into theindustry’s contribution to European society.

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Table of content

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

Contribution to European society

10World plastics data

14

European plastics data24

End-of-life management in EU27+3

43

End-of-life management in selected countries

57

Outlook75

List of acronyms

79

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Foreword
Welcome to the 2022 edition of
Plastics - the Facts.
This year’s data confirms that after
a turbulent period, global plastics
manufacturing is bouncing back.
In 2021 global production rose 4%
to more than 390 million tonnes
demonstrating the strong andcontinuing demand for plastics.
However, in Europe in particular,
there are challenges ahead. Ourlatest data show that China’s
share of global plastics production
continues to grow (reaching 32%
in 2021) while Europe’s share –which reached 57.2 million tonnes
in 2021 – continues to decline(hitting 15%). This confirms a lossof competitiveness that could be
exacerbated further by energy
and logistics crises resulting fromthe war in Ukraine and the ongoing
Covid pandemic.
PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

Virginia Janssens, Managing Director Plastics Europe

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The European plastics manufacturing industry
is in transition. Every week I witness our member
companies investing huge amounts of capex,
time, energy, imagination, and expertise tomeet our 2050 net zero and circularity targets
sustainably. Our members are undertaking hugeinvestments and a far-reaching reorganisation of
their production and technology base. In so doing
they are seeking ways to solve issues like plastics
waste and climate change, while continuing tooffer its various value chains, consumers andsociety the many benefits that plastics offer.

actions and KPIs to track progress on ourtransformation journey, also enhancing value
chain collaboration.
To help monitor progress we need more reliable
and comprehensive data. In this edition of“Plastics - the Facts” we have therefore included
production and demand data for biobased, bioattributed and post-consumer recycled plastics
for the first time.
Plastics Europe recognises that to transition to net
zero by 2050, faster systemic change and more
intense and effective collaboration between allparts of the European plastics’ system and policy
makers are essential. We also need a new andenabling policy framework that better incentivises
investment and innovation by fostering a climateof creative competition in a circular economy forplastics.

At Plastics Europe we are evolving too. Every day,we strive to be the catalyst for the industry tocontribute to the goals of international climateagreements such as the COP and the EU’s GreenDeal.
To support this effort, an independent report,
commissioned by Plastics Europe and called“ReShaping Plastics: pathways to a circular,
climate neutral plastics system in Europe”, waspublished in April this year. A living roadmap isnow also being developed by Plastics Europe andits members, setting out concrete milestones,

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

I am very proud of the progress that we havemade as an industry over the past year andlook forward to deepen collaboration with all
stakeholders to keep the European industry
globally competitive as the EU transitions to net
zero and circularity.

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Notice to the reader
The Plastics – the Facts 2022 edition presents 2021
data for plastics production, demand, conversion
and some 2020 European and national end-of-life
management figures.

expertise from consultants completed gaps.
Figures cannot always be directly comparedwith those of previous years due to changes in
estimates.

A more exhaustive analysis of plastics progress
towards circularity in Europe is available in the“The Circular Economy for Plastics – A European
Overview“.

All figures and graphs in this report show data
for EU27 plus Norway, Switzerland and the United
Kingdom, which is referred to as Europe for the
purposes of abbreviation – other country groups
are explicitly listed.

The data presented in this report was collected by
Plastics Europe (the pan-European association ofplastics manufacturers) and EPRO (the European
Association of Plastics Recycling and Recovery
Organisations). Plastics Europe’s members,
gathered in the Plastics Europe’s Market ResearchGroup (PEMRG), provided input on the plastics
demand by converters. Conversio Market &Strategy GmbH helped assess plastics production
and conversion, waste collection and treatment
data. Official statistics from European or national
authorities and waste management organisations
have been used, where available. Research or
PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

Data presented in this report cover thermoplastics
and thermosets.
Data presented in this report are rounded
estimations (except Eurostat data).

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New data and definitions
With the view of generating data that can help toaddress today’s sustainability challenges, and toensure comparability and coherence with otherreports and studies, Plastics Europe has reviewed
some concepts’ definitions and the scope of its
datasets.
For this edition of Plastics – the Facts, new figures
and graphs were developed for the global andEuropean plastics production*. As from 2021 data,
production figures will be shown by type of feedstock: i.e., fossil-based, post-consumer recycled or biobased/bio-attributed plastics production.

plastics parts and products (i.e., quantities used
for adhesives, sealants, coatings, paints, varnishes,textiles waterproofing, or within the production of
cosmetics, medicines or chemical processes) are
now excluded from the scope of the production,
demand, conversion and end-of-life management
data. PVC-, PO- and PU-fibers are included, whereas
PA-fibers, PET-, PBT-, or acryclic polyesters are notincluded.
Those changes explain data differences with theprevious editions of Plastics – the Facts.

For a more exhaustive analysis ofplastics progress towards circularity,
please consult Plastics Europe’s report

For 2021, data on post-consumer recycled plastics
use by converters has also been added.
Polymers that are not used in the conversion of

The Circular Economy for Plastics– A European Overview.

*Including plastics production from polymerisation and production of mechanicallyrecycled plastics

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The circularityof plastics
The circular and climate neutral plastics
economy is a system in which plastics areproduced, converted, used and managed ina sustainable way.

5.5

Mt

post-consumer recycledplastics were used in new
products and parts in the
EU27+3 in 2021, representing
about 10% recycled content
rate in plastics conversion,and an increase of about
20% compared to 2020.

Today, most plastics are still produced fromfossil-based feedstock. Transitioning to a circular,
climate neutral economy demands investment
and innovation from the plastics value chain todevelop new business models for reuse, produce
more recycled plastics and new feedstocks that areless dependent on fossil-based oil and gas. Plastics
Europe continues working towards improving
knowledge and data on plastics circularity.

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LANDFILLCONSUMPTION(private and industrial
end-users)

PRODUCTSIN USE

WASTE

ENERGYcollection & sorting

recovery(<1 to >50 years)

Import/ExportRE-USE& REPAIR

Sent for

RECYCLING

CONVERSION3EXPORTSURPLUSto plastic parts and products

Input into EU

RECYCLING PLANTS4(post-consumer)

PRE-CONSUMERRECYCLED PLASTICS2
Import/ExportoutputPROCESSLOSSES5

POST-CONSUMERRECYCLED PLASTICS
outputImport/ExportPLASTICS1
1

production(polymerisation)

1

Chemically recycled feedstock
Bio-based feedstock
Carbon-captured feedstock

CIRCULARFEEDSTOCKS

Fossil feedstock

1. Does not include elastomers, adhesives, coatings and sealants. 2. Pre-consumer plastics waste is mainly originating from the plastics conversion and from plastics production(polymerisation) to a lesser extent. 3. Compounding of recycled plastics and plastics from polymerisation may occur prior conversion. 4. Includes chemical recycling.
5. Process losses are usually sent to energy recovery or landfill. Parts of plastics residues could be a potential future source of chemical recycling.

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Contribution
to European
society

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“An industry employing
more than 1.5 million
people across theEuropean Union”.

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The European plastics
industry: key figures>1.5 million

The European plastics industry includes
plastics manufacturers, converters, recyclers
and machinery manufacturers.

employment*

In 2021, the plastics industry gave direct
employment to more than 1.5 million people
in the European Union, a small increase
compared to 2020.

52,000>400 billion €An industry with over 52,000 companies,
most of them SME’s, distributed across theEuropean Union.

The European plastics industry (EU27) had aturnover of approximately 405 billion euros
in 2021.

companies

turnover***2021 Plastics Europe estimations – Eurostat official data only available until 2019​.

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14.4 billion €>10 Mt

The European plastics industry (EU27) had apositive trade balance of 14.4 billion euros in2021.​

More than 10 million tonnes of postconsumer plastics waste were sent torecycling in 2020 in the EU27+3.

sent to recycling

trade balance~5.5 Mt

8thrankingvalue-added

post-consumer
recycled plastics

The European plastics industry (EU27) ranks 8thin Europe in industrial value-added contribution**,positioned after the manufacturing of electricalequipment.

In 2021, about 5.5 million tonnes ofpost-consumer recycled plastics werereintroduced in the EU27+3 economy, an
increase of about 20% compared to 2020.

* 2021 Plastics Europe estimations – Eurostat official data only available until 2019.
** Measured by value added at factor cost, 2019.

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Worldplastics data

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“Global plastics
production bouncing
back in 2021 after aturbulent period”.

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World plastics
production* evolution
After a stagnation in 2020 due
to the Covid-19 pandemic,400
the global plastics production
increased to 390.7 million tonnes
350
in 2021.
in million tonnes

365.5 Mt

374.8 Mt
340.3

332

375.5 Mt

390.7 Mt
352.3

340

300

Fossil-based plastics1

250

Post-consumer recycled plastics2200

Bio-based plastics (including bioattributed plastics in 2021 data)3

150
100
50
0

30
2018

30.8
3.5

2019

32.5

31.6
3.7

2020

3.9

2021

5.9

Sources: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH and nova-Institute
The above data are rounded estimations.
*Including plastics production from polymerisation and production of mechanically recycled plastics
Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) are not included
1. Includes fossil-based thermoplastics, thermosets and PUR
2. Data on post-consumer recycled plastics had been developed in 2018, data for other years are estimations
3. Including bio-attributed plastics in 2021 data. Source: nova-Institute 2022; data for bio-based structural polymers, preliminary estimations for 2021

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390.7Mt
world plastics production*

For the first time, Plastics - the Facts presents World plastics
production data excluding polymers that are not used in theconversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for adhesives,sealants, coatings, paints, varnishes, or within the productionof cosmetics, medicines or chemical processes). Postconsumer recycled and bio-based/bio-attributed plastics
production quantities are included for the first time.
As in previous editions, quantities used for textiles or
textiles waterproofing, are excluded. The scope includes
thermoplastics and thermosets.

*Including plastics production from polymerisation and production of mechanically recycled plastics

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World plastics
production* in 2021

8.3%

In 2021, 90.2% of the world
plastics production was fossilbased. Post-consumer recycledplastics and bio-based/bioattributed plastics respectively
accounted for 8.3% and 1.5% of
the world plastics production.

1.5%

in 2021
390.7
Mt

in 202190.2%
Fossil-based
plastics

Post-consumer
recycled plastics

Bio-based/bioattributed plastics1

Sources: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH and nova-Institute
The above data are rounded estimations.
Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) are not included.
*Including plastics production from polymerisation and production of mechanically recycled plastics
1. nova-Institute 2022; data for bio-based structural polymers, preliminary estimations for 2021

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Distribution of the global
plastics production*​
In 2021, China reached almost
one third of the world’s plastics
production.

North America1
18% - 18%

CIS2
2% - 3%China
29% - 32%

EU27+3
19% - 15%
Middle East, Africa
7% - 8%Latin America
4% - 4%2017**
2021

Japan
4% - 3%

Rest of Asia
17% - 17%

390.7

Mt

global plastics production in 2021

Sources: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH and nova-Institute
The above data are rounded estimations.
Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) are not included.
*Including plastics production from polymerisation and production of mechanically recycled plastics**Only thermoplastics and PUR
1. Canada, Mexico and the United States
2. Commonwealth of Independent States: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine

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Distribution of the global
plastics production* by type
In 2021, circular plastics
represented about 9.8% of theworld plastics production.
Fossil-based
thermosets(excl. PUR)

Bio-based/bio-attributed
plastics
Recycled
plastics
1.5%

7.1%
Other
fossil-based
thermoplastics1

8.3%

PP

19.3%
lar
rcu
Ci

7.1%

PE-LD, -LLD

PS, PS-E

14.4%

5.3%

se

d

PUR

5.5%
PET

6.2%

F o s s il -

ba

PVC

PE-HD, -MD

12.5%

12.9%

Sources: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH and nova-Institute
The above data are rounded estimations.
Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) are not included.
*Including plastics production from polymerisation and production of mechanically recycled plastics
1. Includes PBT, PEEK, PEI, POM, PPA, PSU/PES/PPSU, PTFE, PVDF and other thermoplastics not listed separately

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Distribution of the global
plastics use by application
In 2021, packaging and building &construction applications were thetwo largest world plastics markets.

Agriculture,
Farming and
Gardening

Others12%

4%Household,Leisure & Sports

7%

390.7 Mt

Electrical &Electronics

7%

Packaging

44%

Automotive

8%

Building &Construction

18%

Sources: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbHThe above data are rounded estimations.
Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) are not included.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

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European
plastics data

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“The European plastics
industry is in transition
to meet its 2050 net zeroand circularity targets”.

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European plastics
production* evolution
After a decrease in 2020 due
to the Covid-19 pandemic, theEuropean production increased
to 57.2 million tonnes in 2021.

58.1 Mt
60
50

in million tonnes

56.2 Mt

52.4

50.1

53.9 Mt

57.2 Mt
50.1

47.5

40

Fossil-based plastics1

30

Post-consumer recycled plastics220

Bio-based plastics (including bioattributed plastics in 2021 data)3

10
0

4.9

0.8

2018

5.2
2019

0.9

5.5

5.8
0.9

2020

2021

Sources: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH, nova-Institute, Polyglobe database by Kunststoff Information Verlagsgesellschaft mbH, Eurostat (European Statistical Office)2018-2020 production quantities have been calculated based on the development of Eurostat production indices
The above data are rounded estimations.
Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) are not included.
*Including plastics production from polymerisation and production of mechanically recycled plastics
1. Includes fossil-based thermoplastics, thermosets and PUR used for plastic parts and products
2. Data on recycled plastics in the EU27+ 3 had been developed in 2018 and 2020, data for other years are estimations
3. Including bio-attributed plastics in 2021 data. Source: nova-Institute 2022; data for bio-based structural polymers, preliminary estimations

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1.3

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57.2Mt

European plastics production*

For the first time, Plastics - the Facts presents European
plastics production data excluding polymers that are notused in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e.,
for adhesives, sealants, coatings, paints, varnishes, textiles
waterproofing, or within the production of cosmetics,
medicines or chemical processes). Post-consumer recycled
and bio-based/bio-attributed plastics production quantities
are included for the first time.
As in previous editions, quantities used for textiles or
textiles waterproofing are excluded. The scope includes
thermoplastics and thermosets.

*Including plastics production from polymerisation and mechanical recycling output

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European plastics
production* in 2021

10.1%

In 2021, European plastics
production reached 57.2 Mt.
Post-consumer recycled plastics
and bio-based/bio-attributed
plastics respectively accounted
for 10.1% and 2.3% of theEuropean plastics production.

2.3%

57.2 Mt
in 202187.6%
Fossil-based
plastics

Post-consumer
recycled plastics

Bio-based/bioattributed plastics1

Sources: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH and nova-Institute
The above data are rounded estimations.
Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) are not included.
*Including plastics production from polymerisation and production of mechanically recycled plastics
1. nova-Institute 2022; data for bio-based structural polymers, preliminary estimations for 2021

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European plastics production*by type
In 2021, circular plastics
represented about 12.4% of theEuropean plastics production.

Bio-based/bio-attributed
plastics
Recycled

Fossil-based
thermosets(excl. PUR)

10.1%

6.6%

PP

16.6%

lar
rcu
Ci

Other
fossil-based
thermoplastics1

PE-LD, -LLD

14.7%

d

12.1%

se

57.2Mt2.3 %plastics

European plastics
production*in 2021

PET

5.3%

Foss

il -

ba

11.4%

PUR

5.5%

PS, PS-E

6.1%

PVC

PE-HD, -MD

9.3%

Sources: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH, nova-Institute, Polyglobe database by Kunststoff Information Verlagsgesellschaft mbH, Eurostat (European Statistical Office)The above data are rounded estimations.
Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) are not included.
*Including plastics production from polymerisation and production of mechanically recycled plastics
1. Includes PBT, PEEK, PEI, POM, PPA, PSU/PES/PPSU, PTFE, PVDF and other thermoplastics not listed separately

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50.3

Mt

European plastics converters’
demandEuropean plastics converters’ demand data as publishedin Plastics - the Facts excludes polymers that are not usedin the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for
textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, paints, varnishes,textiles waterproofing, or within the production of cosmetics,
medicines or chemical processes). European converters
demand data in Plastics - the Facts do not include recycled
and bio-based/bio-attributed plastics due to limited
data availability. The scope includes thermoplastics andthermosets.
Demand data are built on estimations of quantities boughtby European converters, including imports.

Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH based on the input of the Plastics Europe
Market Research Group (PEMRG)
The above data are rounded estimations.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

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Mt

European plastics converters’
demand by countries
23.2%

12

8

nd

la
er

itz

Sw

k
ce
ar
ee
m
Gr 14.3%en
D

6

nd

a
nl

Fi

kia

Sl

ria

a
lg

a
ov

Bu

ia

h
Lit

n
ua

nd

ela

7.5%

7.5%

Ir

Sl

6.9%
4.5%

4.2%

2

0

y

an

m

r
Ge

ly

Ita

e

nc

Fra

n

ai

Sp

nd

la

Po

50.3Mt

.

d
ux
ite
/L
m
Un
iu
e dom
g
h
l
T g
Be
Kin

s

nd

la

r
e
Th the
Ne

a

ni

e
ov

9.4%

4

2021

Countries with less than 0.5 Mt
plastics converters demandCountries with more than 3 Mt
plastics converters demand
1.3%
1.1%
1.1%

1.4%

10

2020

ay

rw

via

tia

at

oa

a

ni

to

2.8%

h
ec licCz pub
Re

2.1%
ria

st

Au

2%
l

ga

tu

r
Po

1.9%
n

de

e
Sw

ta

al

L
/M
Es
Cr
us
EuropeanplasticsprCy
converters’ demandin 2021
No

1.7%
ry

ga

n
Hu

1.7%
ia

an

m

Ro

Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH based on the input of the Plastics Europe
Market Research Group (PEMRG)
The above data are rounded estimations.
Demand for recycled plastics and bio-based/bio-attributed plastics is not included. Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles, adhesives,sealants, coatings, etc.) are not included.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

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European plastics converters’
demand by countries

50.3MtEuropean plastics
converters’ demandin 20212020
2021
Countries with less than 0.5 Mt
plastics converters demand

1.4%

Sw

nd

rla

e
itz

1.3%
ce

ee

Gr

1.1%
k

ar

m

n
De

1.1%
nd

la

Fin

kia

va

Slo

ria

ga

l
Bu

a

ni

ua

h
Lit

nd

la

Ire

a

ni

ve

Slo

ay

rw

No

tia

oa

Cr

ia

tv

La

a

ni

to

Es

Cy

lta

Ma

s/

u
pr

Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH based on the input of the Plastics Europe Market Research Group (PEMRG)
The above data are rounded estimations.
Demand for recycled plastics and bio-based/bio-attributed plastics is not included. Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles, adhesives,sealants, coatings, etc.) are not included.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

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Evolution of the plastics converters’
demand (EU27+3)
In 2021, converters plastics
demand increased for the
first time after two years ofdecrease.

Mt

60

47.8

49

49.9

51.2

51.5

50.9

2017

2018

2019

48.9

50.3

50

2014

2015

2016

2020

2021

Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH based on interviews with converters
The above data are rounded estimations.
Demand data are built on estimations of quantities bought by European converters, including imports.
Demand for recycled plastics and bio-based/bio-attributed plastics is not included. Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles, adhesives,sealants, coatings, etc.) are not included.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

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European plastics converters’ demandby polymer type
Mt
10

2020

10

2021

8.5

8

6.3

6

5.2
4.1

4

4

3.8

2.7
0.8

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

A

er

m

M

34

er
t

O
th

er

th

PM

PC

PA
S,
SA
N
AB

PS

T

PS
-E

PE

C
PV

,LL
D
PE
-H
D,
-M
D

PP

-L
D
PE

Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH based on the input of the Plastics Europe Market Research Group (PEMRG)
The above data are rounded estimations.
Demand for recycled plastics and bio-based/bio-attributed plastics is not included.
Plastics - the Facts figures on PA only cover PA6 and PA66.

PU
he
R
(e rm
xc os
l. P et
UR s
)

0.2

0

l.

0.8

th

0.9

op

1.5

O

1.6

2

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European plastics converters’ demand
by applications
In 2021, packaging andbuilding & construction by far
represented the largest enduse markets for plastics in the
EU27+3. The third biggest enduse market is the automotive
sector.

Others17%

Agriculture, Farming &Gardening

3.1%

Household,Leisure & Sports

4.4%

Electrical &Electronics

6.5%

50.3 Mt

Packaging

39.1%

in 2021

Automotive

8.6%

Building &Construction

21.3%

Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH based on the input of the Plastics Europe Market Research Group (PEMRG)
The above data are rounded estimations.
Demand data are built on estimations of quantities bought by European converters, including imports.
Demand for recycled plastics and bio-based/bio-attributed plastics is not included. Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles, adhesives,sealants, coatings, etc.) are not included.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

35

PLASTICS EUROPE

European plastics converters’
demand by type
In 2021, almost half ofthe European plastics
converters’ demand was
represented by polyolefins.

Otherthermoplastics

Other
thermosets(excl. PUR)

10.8%

PP

19.8%

7.5%

PS, PS-E

50.3 Mt

6.2%

PE-LD, -LLD

in 2021

PET

7.9%
PUR

8.2%

16.8%

PE-HD, -MD
PVC

10.3%

12.6%

Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH based on the input of the Plastics Europe Market Research Group (PEMRG)
The above data are rounded estimations.
Demand data are built on estimations of quantities bought by European converters, including imports.
Demand for recycled plastics and bio-based/bio-attributed plastics is not included. Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles, adhesives,sealants, coatings, etc.) are not included.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

36

PLASTICS EUROPE

European plastics converters’
demand by application and typePackaging

39.1%

Building & Construction

21.3%

Automotive

8.6%

Electrical & Electronics

6.5%

Agriculture,
Farming & Gardening

3.1%

Household,Leisure & Sports

4.4%

Others17%
PE-LD, PE-HD,-LLD -MD

PP

PS

PS-E

PVC

PET

ABS, PMMA
SAN

PA

PC

Other
PUR Otherthermosets thermoplastics(excl. PUR)

Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH based on the input of the Plastics Europe Market Research Group (PEMRG)
The above data are rounded estimations.
Demand data are built on estimations of quantities bought by European converters, including imports.
Demand for recycled plastics and bio-based/bio-attributed plastics is not included. Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles, adhesives,sealants, coatings, etc.) are not included.
Numbers behind this graph are available upon request.
Plastics - the Facts figures on PA only cover PA6 and PA66.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

37

PLASTICS EUROPE

European post-consumer recycledplastics use reached 9.9 % in 2021
In 2021, the use of post-consumer recycledplastics by European converters reached 5.5 Mt,
representing a 9.9% recycled content. This
represents an increase of about 20% compared
to 2020.

9.9%

90.1%

55.6 Mt
in 2021

Fossil-based
plastics
Post-consumer
recycled plastics

Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH based on interviews with European plastics converters
The above data are rounded estimations.
Data on the use of bio-based/bio-attributed plastics by European converters is not included. Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles,
adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) are not included.
Data on the use of the plastics by European converters differs from the plastics converters demand data. This is explained by different scopes (recycled plastics excluded in the demand
figures). Process loss in conversion were also taken into account in the use of fossil-based plastics by converters.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

38

PLASTICS EUROPE

Post-consumer recycled content in 2021
25.4% (592 kt)

RECYCLED CONTENT IN NEW PRODUCTS

7.2 % (4 Mt)

8.5 % (4.6 Mt)

in 2018

in 2020AGRICULTURE, FARMING & GARDENING

18.1% (2,364 kt)

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION

8.5% (1,836 kt)

PACKAGING

2.9% (128 kt)

9.9 % (5.5 Mt)

AUTOMOTIVE

3.2% (106 kt)

ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS

in 2021

2.9% (64 kt)

HOUSEWARE, LEISURE & SPORTS

Post-consumer
recycled plastics
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH based on interviews with European plastics converters
The above data are rounded estimations.
Data on the use of bio-based/bio-attributed plastics by European converters is not included.
Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles,
adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) are not included.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

39

OTHERS
05,000

4.6% (406 kt)
10,00015,00020,00025,000kt

PLASTICS EUROPE

Post-consumer recycled content
evolution per applications
In 2021, post-consumer recycled content continued to
grow in the agriculture, building & construction andpackaging sectors.
%

%
6

30
25

25.4%
20.3%

20

Agriculture,
Farming & Gardening
Building & Construction
PackagingElectrical & Electronics
Automotive
Household, Leisure &SportsOthers

15

0

5.4%
5

4.4%

18.1%
16.5%

2.9% 2.9%

32.1% 2.1%

8.5%

6.6%

2

4.6%

2018

4.6%

4

14.4 %

10
5

22.8%

2020

2021

1

3.2%
2.9%
2.9%

2.6%

1.8%
2018

2020

2021

Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH based on interviews with European plastics converters. The above data are rounded estimations.
Data on the use of bio-based/bio-attributed plastics by European converters is not included. Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles,
adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) are not included.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

40

PLASTICS EUROPE

European trade balance
In 2021, the European plastics
industry achieved a positive
trade balance of 14.4 billion
euros.

Plastics production EXTRA EU27*€bn

trade balance

39.2

40

33.2

14.4
billion €Plastics conversion EXTRA EU27**

26.7

26

17

16.3
10.4

28.4 28.8

18.6

20.2

27.3 26
20.2

35
30

24.3

25

30

23.1

31

23.9

33.2

34.5

25.4

26.4

35.5 34.6

33.8

27.9

28.1

20

16.7

15
8.9

9.9

8.6

7.1

9.3

9

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Export105Import

6.9

7.1

7.8

8.2

7.7

6.5 5.42015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Export surplus

Source: Eurostat* Official Eurostat denomination: Manufacture of plastics in primary forms** Official Eurostat denomination: Manufacture of plastic products

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

41

PLASTICS EUROPE

Top extra EU trade
partners (in value)​
In 2021, the United Statesof America, the United
Kingdom and China were
the top trade partners of
the EU27 plastics industry.

Imports
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
SOUTH KOREA
THE UNITED KINGDOMSAUDI ARABIA
CHINA

Imports
CHINA
THE UNITED KINGDOMTHE UNITED STATES OF AMERICASWITZERLAND
TURKEY

Plastics production*

Exports

THE UNITED KINGDOMTURKEYCHINA
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICARUSSIA

18.4%

11.3%
10%
9.2%
8.7%

Plastics conversion**

11.4%
11.2%
7.2%
7.1%

14.5%
11.9%

11.4%
10.9%
6.3%

Exports

35.8% THE UNITED KINGDOMTHE UNITED STATES OF AMERICASWITZERLAND
CHINA
RUSSIA

17.5%
13.6%
9.7%
7.6%
5.5%

Source: Eurostat* Official Eurostat denomination: Manufacture of plastics in primary forms** Official Eurostat denomination: Manufacture of plastic products

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

42

PLASTICS EUROPE

End-of-life
managementin EU27+3
PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

43

PLASTICS EUROPE

“Plastics waste recycling
rates are 13x higher whencollected separately”.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

44

PLASTICS EUROPE

Mixed and separate post-consumer
plastics waste collection in 2020
In 2020, 29.5 million tonnes ofpost-consumer plastics waste
were collected in the EU27+3.
Plastics waste recycling rates
are 13x higher when collected
separately compared to mixed
waste collection schemes.

29.5
via MIXED
waste collection

5%

Recycling

57%

Energyrecovery38%

Landfill

15

Mt

Mt

14.5

Mt

via SEPARATE
waste collection

65%

Recycling

27%

Energyrecovery8%
Landfill

Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
The plastics packaging waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.
Mixed waste collection: waste collection system in which end-users do not sort the different types of waste (e.g., household residual waste and municipal waste).
Separate waste collection: waste collection system in which end-users sort the different types of waste on a product level (e.g., household lightweight packaging, WEEE collection,
container parks).

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

45

PLASTICS EUROPE

Plastics waste

recycling
rates are13x

higherwhen collected
separately
compared to mixed

Between 2006-2020
plastics waste
exports outside theEU27+UK

collection schemes

have been
reduced by

50%

Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

46

PLASTICS EUROPE

Evolution of post-consumer plastics
waste treatment (EU27+3)
Mt

12.9

12.1

Landfill
Energyrecovery
7.0

4.7
2006

7.4

5.2
2008

12.4

10.4

11.3
9.0

10.2

8.9

8.0

8.2
6.9

2006-2020
10.2 CAGR: 5.7%

8.4

9.4

7.4

7.2

7.7

2006-2020
EVOLUTION

12.4 2006-2020
CAGR: 4.2%

Energy recovery

6.9 2006-2020
CAGR: -4.4%+117%

Recycling

Landfill

6.0

+77%

-47%

Recycling
2010

2012

2014

2016

2018

2020

Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH
CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
The plastics packaging waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.
Recycling rates for plastics packaging waste are shown under the old plastics packaging recycling calculation methodology.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

47

PLASTICS EUROPE

Post-consumer plastics waste
management in 2020 (EU27+3)
In 2020, 35% of post-consumer
plastics waste were sent torecycling.

23%
Landfill

35%

29.5 Mt

Recyclingin 2020

42%

Energyrecovery

Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
The plastics packaging waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.
Recycling rates for plastics packaging waste are shown under the old plastics packaging recycling calculation methodology.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

48

PLASTICS EUROPE

Post-consumer plastics waste
treatment per country in 2020
The Netherlands1
Norway1
Spain
Germany1
Denmark1
SwedenCzech Republic
Belgium1
The United Kingdom
Slovenia
Estonia
Luxembourg1
LatviaItaly
Romania
Portugal
Austria1
Slovakia
Ireland
Switzerland1
Croatia
CyprusLithuania
PolandGreeceFranceMalta
Bulgaria
Hungary
Finland1

45%
44%
43%
42%
40%
39%
39%
39%
37%
35%
34%
34%
34%
34%
33%
32%
31%
30%
29%
28%
28%
27%
27%
27%
25%
25%
23%
23%
22%
21%
0%

55%
54%
21%
57%
58%
60%
22%
59%
44%
32%
46%
66%
2%
34%
11%
35%
69%
25%
62%
72%
5%

2%
2%

0%
2%
36%
1%
2%
1%
39%
2%
19%
33%
20%
0%
64%
32%
56%
33%
0%
45%
9%
0%
67%
71%
45%
41%
73%
31%
75%
69%
57%
2%

2%
28%
32%
44%

8%
21%
77%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Recycling
Energy recovery
Landfill

100%

Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
The plastics packaging waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.
1. Countries with landfill restrictions
Recycling rates for plastics packaging waste are shown under the old plastics packaging recycling calculation methodology.
2020 Dutch plastics recycling included some quantities of plastics packaging waste collected in 2019, due to a fire in a local recycling facility in 2019.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

49

PLASTICS EUROPE

Four countries haverecycling rates above 40%

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

50

PLASTICS EUROPE

Mixed and separate post-consumer
plastics PACKAGING waste collection
in 2020
In 2020, 17.9 million tonnesof post-consumer plastics
packaging waste were collectedin the EU27+3.
Plastics packaging waste
recycling rates are 80x higher
when collected separately
compared to mixed waste
collection schemes.

17.9

via MIXED
waste collection

1%

Recycling

62%

Energyrecovery37%

Landfill

7.9

Mt

Mt

10

Mt

via SEPARATE
waste collection

80%

Recycling

18%

Energyrecovery2%
Landfill

Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
Recycling rates for plastics packaging waste are shown under the old plastics packaging recycling methodology. The plastics packaging waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated
based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.
Mixed waste collection: waste collection system in which end-users do not sort the different types of waste (e.g., household residual waste and municipal waste).
Separate waste collection: waste collection system in which end-users sort the different types of waste on a product level (e.g., household lightweight packaging, WEEE collection, container parks).
Separate waste collection streams do not contain 100% plastics, since they may be mixed with other materials (e.g., a computer is composed of different types of materials).

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

51

PLASTICS EUROPE

80x

Plastics

PACKAGING

waste recycling

rates arehigherwhen collected
separately
compared to mixed
collection schemes

Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

52

PLASTICS EUROPE

Post-consumer plastics PACKAGING
waste management in 2020 (EU27+3)
In 2020, the overall European
recycling rate for post-consumer
plastics packaging reached 46%(under the former Packaging
and Packaging Waste Directive(PPWD) calculation methodology),
compared to 42% in 2018 – anincrease of about 9.5%.

9.5%
increaseof plastics packaging
recycling rate since 201817%
Landfill

17.9 Mt
in 2020

37%
Energyrecovery46%

Recycling

Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
Recycling rates for plastics packaging waste are shown under the old plastics packaging recycling methodology. The plastics packaging waste data used for the above graph wereextrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

53

PLASTICS EUROPE

Since 2006, post-consumer plastics
PACKAGING* waste recycling has
more than doubled
The 2006-2020 plastics
packaging waste recycling
evolution in the EU27+3 showeda Compound Annual Growth
Rate of 5.4%.
2006-2020 EVOLUTION
Recycling
Energy recovery

+110%

Mt

6.5

Recycling 6.3

Landfill

5.7

4.6
3.9

Landfill

7.5

7.2

+76%
-57%

8.2

5.1

4.5

5.4
4.2

7.0
6.5

6.7

2006-2020
CAGR: 4.1%

6.1

Energy recovery
3.5

3.8

6.8

2006-2020
CAGR: 5.4%

3.4

3.3

3.1

2006-2020
CAGR: -5.9%

2006 2008
2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH
*From household, industrial and commercial packaging
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
Recycling rates for plastics packaging waste are shown under the old plastics packaging recycling methodology. The plastics packaging waste data used for the above graph wereextrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.
PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

54

PLASTICS EUROPE

Post-consumer plastics PACKAGING
waste treatment per country in 2020
(EU27+3)2030 PPWD target: 55%²

2025 PPWD target: 50%²2020 EU average post-consumer
plastics packaging recycling rate: 46%¹

The current 46% recycling
rate would potentially equal
32% under the new plastics
packaging recycling calculation
methodology foreseen by the
Packaging and Packaging Waste
Directive (PPWD) (Directive (EU)2018/852).
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants,
coatings, etc.) is not included.
1. Under the former point of calculation: Materials sent forrecycling - Directive (EU) 94/62/EC
2. Under the new point of calculation: Materials enteringpelletisation, extrusion and moulding processes - Directive(EU) 2018/852
The plastics packaging waste data used for the abovegraph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures.
The above data were rounded.
Recycling rates for plastics packaging waste are shown
under the old plastics packaging recycling calculation
methodology.
2020 Dutch plastics recycling included some quantities ofplastics packaging waste collected in 2019, due to a fire ina local recycling facility in 2019.

The Netherlands
Germany
Czech Republic
Belgium
The United Kingdom
Spain
Italy
NorwaySwedenEstonia
LatviaRomania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Portugal
Luxembourg
Switzerland
Lithuania
CyprusBulgaria
Austria
Denmark
PolandCroatia
Malta
GreeceIrelandFranceFinland
Hungary

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

65%

55%
55%

54%
52%
52%
49%
49%
47%
47%

46%

44%
44%

44%
42%
41%

40%

Recycling

39%
39%

38%

38%

38%
37%

34%

34%
32%
32%
27%

27%

26%

0

10

55

20

30

40

50

60

PLASTICS EUROPE

70

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

56

PLASTICS EUROPE

End-of-life
management
in selected
countries
PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

57

PLASTICS EUROPE

“In 2020, four countries
had plastics recycling
rates above 40%”.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

58

PLASTICS EUROPE

Belgium · All plastics
From 2006 to 2020, thequantities sent to recycling
increased by 69%, energy
recovery increased by 19% andlandfill decreased by 83%.

Post-consumer plastics waste treatment evolution 2006-2020 (in kt)

kt

389

Energy recovery

341

2006-2020 EVOLUTION
Recycling
Energy recovery

+69%

206

578 ktin 2020

2006-2020(CAGR: 3.8%)

134
2020

Landfill

59%

227

Recycling

60

39%(CAGR: 1.3%)

286

+19%
-83%

Landfill

2006-2020

2006

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

10

10

2018

2020

2006-2020(CAGR: -12.1%)

2%
CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbHThe plastics packaging consumption and waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

59

PLASTICS EUROPE

Belgium · Plastics PACKAGING*
Post-consumer plastics PACKAGING* waste treatment
treatment evolution 2006-2020 (in kt)
kt

Energy recovery

198
172

2006-2020

From 2006 to 2020, the quantitiesof post-consumer plastics
packaging waste sent to recycling
increased by 59%, energy recovery
increased by 8% and landfill
decreased by 100%.

(CAGR: 3.4%)

2006-2020 EVOLUTION

149

137

Recycling148

2006-2020(CAGR: 0.6%)

Recycling

108

+59%

Energy recovery
Landfill

+8%
-100%

31

Landfill
2006

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

0

0

2018

2020

2006-2020(CAGR: -100%)54%

320 ktin 202046%

CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
* From household, industrial and commercial packaging
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbHThe plastics packaging consumption and waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

60

PLASTICS EUROPE

France · All plastics
From 2006 to 2020, the quantities
sent to recycling increased by
88%, energy recovery increasedby 42% and landfill decreased
by 20%.
2006-2020 EVOLUTION
Recycling
Energy recovery
Landfill

25%

3,760 kt

Post-consumer plastics waste treatment evolution 2006-2020 (in kt)

kt

1,455

+88%

1,178

1,189

Landfill

+42%
-20%

1,587

Energy recovery

887

Recycling

1,672

2006-2020(CAGR: 2,5%)

1,159 2006-2020
929(CAGR: -1.6%)

2006-2020(CAGR: 4.6%)

495

44%

in 2020

2006

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018

2020

31%

CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbHThe plastics packaging consumption and waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

61

PLASTICS EUROPE

France · Plastics PACKAGING*
Post-consumer plastics PACKAGING* waste treatment
evolution 2006-2020 (in kt)
kt
1,008

Energy recovery

2006-2020
1,040 (CAGR: 2%)

From 2006 to 2020, the quantitiesof post-consumer plastics
packaging waste sent to recycling
increased by 45%, energy recovery
increased by 32% and landfill
decreased by 16%.
2006-2020 EVOLUTION

796
790

Landfill

2006-2020

723
670
621

640

Recycling+45%

Energy recovery+32%

2006-2020(CAGR: 2.7%)-16%

Landfill

27%

440
2006

Recycling(CAGR: -1.2 %)

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018

2020

2,350 kt

44%

in 2020

CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
*From household, industrial and commercial packaging%
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbHThe plastics packaging consumption and waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.

29

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62

PLASTICS EUROPE

Germany · All plastics
From 2006 to 2020, thequantities sent to recycling
increased by 104%, energy
recovery increased by 67% andlandfill decreased by 80%.

Post-consumer plastics waste treatment evolution 2006-2020 (in kt)

kt

2006-2020 EVOLUTION+104%

Recycling
Energy recovery

2006-2020
3,120

Energy recovery(CAGR: 3.7%)

2006-2020

+67%
-80%

Landfill

3,233

2,055

1,873

2,263

(CAGR: 5.2%)

Recycling
1,112

42%

5,419 kt
in 202057%

1%

Landfill

174
2006

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

35

35

2018

2020

2006-2020(CAGR: -10.8%)

CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbHThe plastics packaging consumption and waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

63

PLASTICS EUROPE

Germany · Plastics PACKAGING*
Post-consumer plastics PACKAGING* waste treatment
evolution 2006-2020 (in kt)

kt
1,752

Energy recovery

2006-2020(CAGR: 2.9%)

From 2006 to 2020, the quantitiesof post-consumer plastics
packaging waste sent to recycling
increased by 95%, energy recovery
increased by 47% and landfill
decreased by 93%.

1,572

2006-2020 EVOLUTION

1,571

Recycling
1,409

2006-2020(CAGR: 2.8%)

955

+95%

Energy recovery
Landfill

+47%
-93%

Recycling898

Landfill

44
2006

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2

3

2018

2020

2006-2020(CAGR: -17,5%)55%

3,163 kt
in 202045%

CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
*From household, industrial and commercial packaging
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbHThe plastics packaging consumption and waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

64

PLASTICS EUROPE

Italy · All plastics
From 2006 to 2020, thequantities sent to recycling
increased by 77%, energy
recovery increased by 58% andlandfill decreased by 52%.

Post-consumer plastics waste treatment evolution 2006-2020 (in kt)

2006-2020 EVOLUTION
Recycling

2,516

+77%
+58%

Energy recovery

Landfill

2006-2020-52%

Landfill

34%

kt(CAGR: 4.1%)

1,192

34%

3,545 kt
in 2020

2006-2020

1,296

Energy recovery
759

1,143

1,198
1,144

2006-2020(CAGR: -5.5%)

Recycling

681
2006

(CAGR: 3.3%)

1,203

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018

2020

32%
CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbHThe plastics packaging consumption and waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

65

PLASTICS EUROPE

Italy · Plastics PACKAGING*
Post-consumer plastics PACKAGING* waste treatment
treatment evolution 2006-2020 (in kt)

kt
1,024

Energy recovery

883

986

2006-2020
1,076
986

(CAGR: 3.9%)

From 2006 to 2020, the quantitiesof post-consumer plastics
packaging waste sent to recycling
increased by 70%, energy recovery
increased by 53% and landfill
decreased by 83%.
2006-2020 EVOLUTION

2006-2020(CAGR: 3.1%)

Recycling

Recycling

645

+70%

Energy recovery

+53%

632

Landfill

Landfill

287

2006

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2006-2020
147

2018

2020

(CAGR: -12%)

49%

-83%

2,209 kt

44%

in 2020

CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
*From household, industrial and commercial packaging%
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbHThe plastics packaging consumption and waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.

7

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

66

PLASTICS EUROPE

Poland · All plastics
From 2006 to 2020, thequantities sent to recycling
increased by 177%, energy
recovery increased by 132% andlandfill decreased by 18%.

Post-consumer plastics waste treatment evolution 2006-2020 (in kt)

2006-2020 EVOLUTION

Landfill

27%

2,051 kt

Landfill

1,025

+177%

Recycling
Energy recovery

kt

812

+132%

664

-18%

Energy recovery

32%

in 2020

41%

844

582

543

2006-2020(CAGR: -1.4%)

2006-2020(CAGR: 41.8%)

2006-2020(CAGR: 7.6%)

525

Recycling
196
5
2006

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018

2020

CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbHThe plastics packaging consumption and waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

67

PLASTICS EUROPE

Poland · Plastics PACKAGING*
Post-consumer plastics PACKAGING* waste treatment
evolution 2006-2020 (in kt)

From 2006 to 2020, the quantitiesof post-consumer plastics
packaging waste sent to recycling
increased by 120%, energy
recovery increased by 85% andlandfill decreased by 42%.

kt
507

2006-2020 EVOLUTION
405

Recycling

Landfill

425

2006-2020

432

2006-2020

352
293

193

Energy recovery

2010

2012

2014

(CAGR: -3.8%)

Recycling

2016

2018

2020

+120%

Energy recovery+85%

Landfill

-42%

37%

5
2008

(CAGR: 37.5%)

2006-2020

317

2006

(CAGR: 5.8%)

1,150 kt

38%

in 2020

CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
*From household, industrial and commercial packaging%
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbHThe plastics packaging consumption and waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.

25

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

68

PLASTICS EUROPE

Spain · All plastics
From 2006 to 2020, thequantities sent to recycling
increased by 137%, energy
recovery increased by 73% andlandfill decreased by 45%.

Post-consumer plastics waste treatment evolution 2006-2020 (in kt)

kt

2006-2020 EVOLUTION+137%

Recycling
Energy recovery
Landfill

1,686

+73%

Landfill

-45%

996

21%
43%

1,077

36%

(CAGR: 6.4%)

923

2006-2020(CAGR: -4.2%)

Energy recovery
496

311

in 2020

2006-2020

Recycling
467

2,567 kt

1,106

2006

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018

2006-2020
538(CAGR: 4%)

2020

CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbHThe plastics packaging consumption and waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

69

PLASTICS EUROPE

Spain · Plastics PACKAGING*
Post-consumer plastics PACKAGING* waste treatment
treatment evolution 2006-2020 (in kt)

From 2006 to 2020, the quantitiesof post-consumer plastics
packaging waste sent to recycling
increased by 133%, energy
recovery increased by 3.8% andlandfill decreased by 43%.

kt
1,032

889

839

2006-2020(CAGR: 6.2%)

Landfill
585

560

381

(CAGR: -4%)

241

+3.8%
-43%

2012

2006-2020(CAGR: 0.3%)

Energy recovery
2010

Energy recovery

+133%

14%

256

2008

Recycling

Landfill

Recycling

232

2006

2006-2020

2006-2020 EVOLUTION

2014

2016

2018

2020

52%

1,715 kt
in 2020

CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
*From household, industrial and commercial packaging
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbHThe plastics packaging consumption and waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

70

34%

PLASTICS EUROPE

The Netherlands · All plastics
From 2006 to 2020, thequantities sent to recycling
increased by 170%, energy
recovery increased by 7% andlandfill decreased by 98%.

Post-consumer plastics waste treatment evolution 2006-2020 (in kt)

kt

Energy recovery

2006-2020 EVOLUTION

2006-2020(CAGR: 0.5%)

2006-2020
478+7%(CAGR: 7.4%)

Recycling-98%

Landfill

577+170% 537

Recycling
Energy recovery

617

316
177

45%

1,058 kt
in 2020

137

Landfill

55%
2006

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

4

2.5

2018

2020

2006-2020(CAGR: -23.9%)

CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbHThe plastics packaging consumption and waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

71

PLASTICS EUROPE

The Netherlands · Plastics PACKAGING*
Post-consumer plastics PACKAGING* waste treatment
evolution 2006-2020 (in kt)
kt

412

2006-2020(CAGR: 7.6%)

315

From 2006 to 2020, the quantitiesof plastics post-consumer
packaging waste sent to recycling
increased by 178%, energy
recovery increased by 31% andlandfill decreased by 100%.
2006-2020 EVOLUTION

Energy recovery

Recycling

258

Recycling

218

254

2006-2020(CAGR: -2.6%)

148

Energy recovery
Landfill

+31%
-100%

Landfill

50
2006

+178%

0
2008

2010

2012

2014

0

2016 20172020

2006-2020(CAGR: -100%)65%

630 ktin 2020

CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
*From household, industrial and commercial packaging
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbHThe plastics packaging consumption and waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

72

35%

PLASTICS EUROPE

The United Kingdom · All plastics
From 2006 to 2020, thequantities sent to recycling
increased by 175%, energy
recovery increased by 657%
and landfill decreased by 72%.

Post-consumer plastics waste treatment evolution 2006-2020 (in kt)
kt

2006-2020 EVOLUTION+175%

Recycling
Energy recovery

Landfill

2,59

1,802

+657%

(CAGR: 15.6%)

1,261

Recycling

37%

Energy recovery

44%

in 2020

1,446

882

525

3,931 kt

2006-2020

2006-2020-72%

Landfill

1,750(CAGR: 7.5%)

2006-2020
735(CAGR: -8.6%)

231
2006

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018

2020

19%
CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbHThe plastics packaging consumption and waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

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PLASTICS EUROPE

The United Kingdom ·Plastics PACKAGING*
Post-consumer plastics PACKAGING* waste treatment
evolution 2006-2020 (in kt)
kt

1,461

2006-2020 EVOLUTION

Landfill

1,145

1,044

Recycling

2006

Energy recovery
329
2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

Energy recovery+469%

Recycling

989

138

2006-2020(CAGR: 6.4%)

785

481

From 2006 to 2020, the quantitiesof post-consumer plastics
packaging waste sent to recycling
increased by 138%, energy
recovery increased by 469% andlandfill decreased by 83%.

253

2018

2020

2006-2020(CAGR: 13.2%)

Landfill

+138%
-83%

2006-2020(CAGR: -11.8%)

52%

2,183 kt
in 2020

CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
*From household, industrial and commercial packaging
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbHThe plastics packaging consumption and waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

74

36%

12%

PLASTICS EUROPE

Outlooks

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

75

PLASTICS EUROPE

“Energy and logistics
crises leading to
uncertainties andchallenges for theEuropean plastics
industry”.

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

76

PLASTICS EUROPE

Plastics industry
production in EU27
In 2022, the war in Ukraine
reinforced the already existing
problems in the supply chains
and the high prices for feedstockand energy. High prices,
especially in Europe, weakened
economic growth and led to alower demand for plastics.

Index 2015 = 100;on a quarterly basis, seasonallyand working day adjusted

130
120
110
100

Plastics and rubber machinery
Plastics in primary forms
Plastics products

90
80
70

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Source: Eurostat, September 2022

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PLASTICS EUROPE

Production of plastics
in primary forms in EU27
The sharp decline in theEuropean plastics production
caused by the Covid-19
pandemic in the first halfof 2020 was followed by aneven stronger recovery in
2021. However, significant
uncertainties remain for end
2022 and 2023 due to the current
energy and logistics crises.

Index 2015 = 100;on a quarterly basis, seasonallyand working day adjusted

120

110

100

90

Growth rate:
2020: -5%802021: 10.5%
2022: -4% (prediction withthe assumption of no gas
shortage in Europe)

2012

2014

2013

2015

2016

Plastics in primary forms

2017

2018

2019

2020

2022

Average annual index, estimate for 2022

Due to geopolitical uncertainties, it is not possible to present a prediction for 2023.
Index 2015 = 100; on a quarterly basis, seasonally and working day adjusted
Source: Eurostat, September 2022

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

78

PLASTICS EUROPE

List of acronyms
ABS: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin
ASA: Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate
bn: billion
CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate
CIS: Commonwealth of Independent States
EU: European Union
EU27+3: EU Member States, Norway, Switzerland
and the United Kingdom
EU27+UK: EU Member States and the United
Kingdom
EPRO: European Association of Plastics Recycling
and Recovery Organisations
kt: kilo tonnes
Mt: million tonnes
PA: Polyamides. Plastics - the Facts figures on PA
only cover PA6 and PA66
PBT: Polybutylene terephthalate
PC: Polycarbonate
PE: Polyethylene
PEEK: Polyethertherketone
PE-HD: Polyethylene, high density
PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022

PEI: Polyetherimide
PE-LD: Polyethylene, low density
PE-LLD: Polyethylene, linear low density
PE-MD: Polyethylene, medium density
PEMRG: Plastics Europe Market Research GroupPET: Polyethylene terephthalate
PMMA: Polymethyl methacrylate
POM: Polyoxymethylene
PP: Polypropylene
PPA : Polyphtalamide
PS: Polystyrene
PS-E: Expandable polystyrene
PTFE: Polytetrafluoroethylene
PSU/PES/PPSU: polysulfone/polyethersulfone/
polyphenylsulfone
PUR: Polyurethane
PVC: Polyvinyl chloride
PVDF: Polyvinylidene fluoride
SAN: Styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer

79

PLASTICS EUROPE

Plastics Europe
Plastics Europe is the pan-European association of plastics manufacturers with offices across Europe.
For over 100 years, science and innovation has been the DNA that cuts across our industry. With close
to 100 members producing over 90% of all polymers across Europe, we are the catalyst for the industry
with a responsibility to openly engage with stakeholders and deliver solutions which are safe, circularand sustainable. We are committed to implementing long-lasting positive change.
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 arerepresented in EPRO.
www.epro-plasticsrecycling.org

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PLASTICS EUROPE

@PlasticsEurope
PlasticsEurope

Plastics Europe AISBL
Rue Belliard 40 • Box 16
1040 Brussels • Belgium+32 (0)2 792 30 99
connect@plasticseurope.org
plasticseurope.org

EPRO
Konigin Astridlaan 58 • Bus 5
1780 Wemmel • Belgium+32 (0)2 456 84 49
info@epro-plasticsrecycling.org
www.epro-plasticsrecycling.org© 2022 Plastics Europe AISBL • All rights reserved