The report presents updated data on circular plastics production, conversion, consumption, trade flows and waste management across Europe. It shows that annual growth in circular plastics production fell from 13.6 percent in 2022 to 1.2 percent in 2024. Total circular plastics output reached 8.7 million tonnes, representing 15.8 percent of overall plastics production in Europe. By comparison, global circular plastics production accelerated from 5 percent to 7.7 percent annual growth during the same period.
Demand from European plastics converters also weakened. Annual growth in converter demand for circular plastics declined from 16.2 percent in 2022 to 4 percent in 2024. At the same time, Europe’s plastics value chain became increasingly dependent on imports. According to the report, 19 percent of converter demand for circular plastics was covered by imports, while 12.4 percent of collected plastic waste from Europe was recycled outside the region. Imports also accounted for 25 percent of demand for fossil-based plastics.
High costs and trade pressures affect investment
The report links the slowdown to rising energy and feedstock costs, emissions-related expenses and growing international competition. Plastics Europe states that these conditions are limiting the sector’s ability to invest in circularity and decarbonisation.
Despite the slowdown, Europe continues to hold the largest share of circular plastics in its total production mix. However, this position is also linked to declining production of fossil-based plastics, which dropped by 8.3 percent to 43.3 million tonnes between 2022 and 2024.
The report also points to continuing losses of potentially recyclable material. Although Europe’s plastics recycling rate increased to 29.6 percent, more than 70 percent of collected plastic waste still went to incineration or landfill in 2024. Incineration accounted for 16 million tonnes, while landfill represented 7 million tonnes.
Industry calls for stronger policy support
According to Plastics Europe, existing European Union policy frameworks do not yet provide sufficient market incentives or investment certainty to accelerate the transition to circular plastics. The organisation calls for measures to improve industrial competitiveness, reduce energy-related costs and strengthen demand for circular plastics through harmonised market mechanisms and trade conditions.
The report also highlights the strategic importance of retaining plastic waste and recycling capacity within Europe. Plastics Europe argues that stronger domestic recycling markets could reduce dependence on fossil resources and imported materials while supporting industrial resilience.
