Data compiled by the European Paper Recycling Council (EPRC) shows that, in 2023, the recycling rate for all paper products including graphic paper and packaging increased to reach the record high of 79.3 per cent.
This places the paper sector on track to reach its long-term commitments. The recycling rate is defined as the ratio between the recycling of ‘Paper for Recycling’ (PfR), including the net trade of ‘PfR’ and the consumption of new paper and board.
In 2021, the European paper value chain pledged to achieve a 76 per cent recycling rate for paper overall, including graphic paper, as well as packaging and other paper products. While this year’s recycling rate is already higher, this is partially linked to temporary factors. It also points towards the exceptional commitment of an entire industry towards circularity and sustainability.
In contrast with a decrease in paper products’ apparent consumption in 2023, the demand for ‘Paper for Recycling’ remained high, while new investments in recycling mills were launched, showing the sector’s confidence in a trend for more and more recycling. Over the past three decades, recycling has supported the growth in global paper production while virgin pulp, and therefore wood use, has remained rather stable. The result of extensive investments by the industry over the years, valued several billion euros.
To further increase how much and how efficiently we recycle, the value chain actively works on achieving several ‘qualitative targets’ outlined in a new EPRC report. These start with actively advocating for the implementation of separate collection of paper and board separate from other recyclables at local level. Further targets include improving the quality of secondary raw materials with the use of AI, and generally conducting research and development to improve recycling.
This work is also performed hand in hand with the cross-industry alliance 4evergreen, aiming specifically at boosting the contribution of fibre-based packaging in a circular bioeconomy.
Source: European Paper Recycling Council (EPRC)
