2024 data reveals a deepening crisis of the European plastics recycling industry – PET amongst the most severely affected
The latest 2024 annual report published by Plastics Recyclers Europe reveals the largest capacity contraction ever recorded in the sector. Preliminary 2025 data indicate a 50% increase in recycling facility closures, resulting in the loss of nearly one million tonnes of European recycling capacity over just three years.
“Now is the time to stand united for the sector — not only to protect jobs and businesses at risk, but to safeguard Europe’s environmental and technological progress, ensuring a sustainable future for all,” stated Ton Emans, President of Plastics Recyclers Europe. “We call on the EU institutions and national policymakers to act decisively and implement supportive measures to preserve the sector and Europe’s circular economy.”
With a total installed capacity of 13.5 million tonnes in 2024, plastics recycling in Europe remains well below the 6% annual growth required to achieve the PPWR targets, the report shows. The sector is facing growing pressure from high production and energy costs, falling demand, and increasing volumes of low-priced, unregulated imports from outside the region. Polyolefin films and PET are most severely affected, each accounting for 25% of total closures in 2023-2024.
The findings highlight challenges that threaten the long-term viability of plastics recycling in Europe. The organisation urges EU institutions and Member States to take coordinated action immediately. Priority measures include establishing fair and enforceable market regulations, strengthening import controls, reducing energy costs, and harmonising reporting requirements through third-party certification across the region.