The European paper recycling rate has increased from 71.7% in 2018 to 72% in 2019 due to a stable utilisation of Paper for Recycling (PfR) in the European paper industry. A great signal towards more sustainability is the fact that the collection of Paper for Recycling was maintained at high levels in Europe despite a decrease in paper and board consumption in Europe. The sharp and continued decline in Chinese demand for European Paper for Recycling was balanced by increased demand from other countries such as Turkey and India.
Angelika Christ, EPRC chairwoman adds, “The increase to 72% shows that paper recycling is not only a promise, but is already today a model for circularity and a strong contributor to the European Green Deal.”
The European Paper Recycling Council is monitoring the development of the European Paper recycling rate and its progress in 2019 towards the set target of 74% recycling rate by 2020. The full monitoring report including action by the EPRC signatories and supporters in the fields of collection, recycling, research and education will be published in September.
