Generation and recycling of packaging waste
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Key messages
The generation of packaging waste per capita in EU is growing, although there are signs of slowing down or stabilizing in the trend. In 2008 generation of packaging waste was reduced, albeit a high level of 163,5 kg/capita in the EU-27. However, it is difficult to attribute this change either to effective waste prevention (decoupling of waste from GDP) or to the reduction of GDP due to economic downturn (no decoupling). This slowing down rate could also be attributed to the change of packaging materials, as the largest increase occurs for paper and plastics.
The recycling schemes and economic instruments appear to be quite effective for this waste stream. In 2008, recycling covered 61% of the packaging waste, exceeding the 55% target for 2008 defined in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive. However, in many countries there is still room for improvement.
Are we preventing the generation of packaging waste?
Packaging waste generation per capita and by country
Note: The figure shows the packaging waste generation per capita and by country in the period from 1997 - 2008
- Packaging waste data 2008, 1000 tonnes: EUROSTAT. Dataset retrieved on 22 August 2011
- Population data per country, 1997-2008. Dataset retrieved on 22 August 2011
Additional data sources:
- Switzerland: Abfallmengen und Recycling 2008 im Überblick, 2010
- Croatia: Croatian Environment Agency, 2010
- Environmental Data Centre on waste Tables pursuant to Commission Decision 2005/270/EC: DG Environment
Packaging waste generation per capita and by country
Note: The table shows the packaging waste generation per capita by country 1997 - 2008
- Packaging waste data 2008, 1000 tonnes: EUROSTAT. Dataset retrieved on 22 August 2011
- Population data per country, 1997-2008. Dataset retrieved on 22 August 2011
Additional data sources:
- Environmental Data Centre on waste Tables pursuant to Commission Decision 2005/270/EC: DG Environment
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/packaging/data.htm
- Switzerland: Abfallmengen und Recycling 2008 im Überblick, 2010
- Croatia: Croatian Environment Agency, 2010
Generation of packaging waste and GDP in the EU-15
Note: The figure shows the generation of packaging waste and GDP in the EU-15 countries from 1998-2008
- Packaging waste data 2008, 1000 tonnes: EUROSTAT. Dataset retrieved on 22 August 2011
- Population data per country, 1997-2008. Dataset retrieved on 22 August 2011
- GDP and main components - volumes, EU, 1997-2008 (2011). Millions of euro, chain-linked volumes, reference year 2000 (at 2000 exchange rates). Dataset retrieved on 22 August 2011
http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/external/national-accounts-including-gdp-eurostat
Additional data sources:
- Environmental Data Centre on waste Tables pursuant to Commission Decision 2005/270/EC: DG Environment
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/packaging/data.htm
Generation of packaging waste and GDP in the EU 27
Note: The figure shows the generation of packaging waste and GDP (Gross domestic product) in the EU27
- Packaging waste data 2008, 1000 tonnes: EUROSTAT. Dataset retrieved on 22 August 2011
- Population data per country, 1997-2008. Dataset retrieved on 22 August 2011
- GDP and main components - volumes, EU, 1997-2008 (2011). Millions of euro, chain-linked volumes, reference year 2000 (at 2000 exchange rates). Dataset retrieved on 22 August 2011
http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/external/national-accounts-including-gdp-eurostat
Additional data sources:
- Environmental Data Centre on waste Tables pursuant to Commission Decision 2005/270/EC: DG Environment
There are large variations between Member States in the use of packaging per capita(fig. 1 and fig. 2), ranging from 232 kg/capita in Ireland to 40 kg/capita in Bulgaria (2008). The average 2008 figure for the EU-27 was 163.5 kg/capita. There are clear differences between the EU-15 and the EU-12 (newer Member States) reflecting different levels of consumption of packaging. The average EU-15 packaging waste generation was 183.1 kg/capita whereas for the EU-12 the figure was 87.7 kg/capita in 2008. The variations within EU-15 countries are hard to explain. One explanation may be different market shares of reusable packaging; another could be different consumption and production patterns. It is also possible that some Member States may have uneven coverage of data collection or slightly differing definitions of packaging and understanding of which types of packaging waste need to be reported to the European Commission.
Trends in packaging waste generation per capita also vary between the countries (fig. 1 and fig. 2). While some countries (e.g. Ireland, Portugal and Estonia) show a relatively constant increase, others (for example Austria, Netherlands, France, Bulgaria and Slovakia) have been able to stabilise and even reverse the increasing trend in generation.
Although there are significant year to year variations, the general trend in EU-15 shows that amounts of packaging are still rising. Altogether, the packaging waste generation in the EU-15 saw slight relative decoupling from GDP (fig. 3) between 1998 and 2007 growing by 11%, compared to a 19% growth in GDP (expressed in fixed price levels of year 2000) over the same period. However, the impacts of the recent economic downturn can already be observed on the data for 2008: both the GDP and the amount of packaging waste have declined.
Regarding the four main fractions of the packaging waste stream (glass, metals, paper & cardboard, plastics), their total generation and share of the total generation has changed over time. Figure 3 shows that, with some fluctuations, the generation of these materials follows the pattern of the total packaging waste generation per capita. However, the materials mainly responsible for the increase in the total generation are paper and plastic packaging wastes.
Figure 4 shows that the decoupling of packaging waste generation from GDP is more remarkable for EU-27 compared to EU-15 (fig. 3). The reason should be the significant difference in the amount of per/capita generation of packaging waste between the EU-15 and EU-12 countries and relatively lower difference in GDP.
Do we manage the generated waste (packaging) in a sustainable way?
Recycling of packaging waste by country, 2008
Note: The figure shows the recycle of packaging waste by country in 2008
- Packaging waste data 2008, 1000 tonnes: EUROSTAT. Dataset retrieved on 22 August 2011
Additional data sources:
- Environmental Data Centre on waste Tables pursuant to Commission Decision 2005/270/EC: DG Environment
Treatment of packaging waste in the EU-15
Note: The figure shows the treatment of packaging waste 1997-2008
- Packaging waste data 2008, 1000 tonnes: EUROSTAT. Dataset retrieved on 22 August 2011
http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/external/recycling-rates-for-packaging-waste
Additional data sources:- Environmental Data Centre on waste Tables pursuant to Commission Decision 2005/270/EC: DG Environment
Treatment of packaging waste in the EU-27
Note: The figure shows the treatment of packaging waste 2005-2008
- Packaging waste data 2008, 1000 tonnes: EUROSTAT. Dataset retrieved on 22 August 2011
http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/external/recycling-rates-for-packaging-waste
Additional data sources:- Environmental Data Centre on waste Tables pursuant to Commission Decision 2005/270/EC: DG Environment
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/packaging/data.htm
Recycling is a key element in the management of packaging waste.
The minimum target of 25 % recycling of all packaging materials was achieved by all EU-27 member states in 2006. Furthermore, 15 of the 27 Member States had complied with the overall minimum recycling targets for 2008 (fig. 5). In 2008, the average recycling rate for packaging waste was 61% in the EU-27. The total recycling rate in the Member States in 2008 varied greatly, from 34 % in Cyprus and Romania to 79 % in Belgium.
The total EU-15 recycling rate increased from 46 % in 1997 to 62 % in 2008 (fig. 6). The EU-12 recycling rate increased from 34% in 2005 to 46% in 2008 (derived from fig. 7). As with consumption of packaging per capita, to achieve the targets, several Member States have introduced producer responsibility and established packaging recycling schemes or introduced economic instruments (e.g. taxes, deposit systems). Other countries have improved their existing collection and recycling system.
Table 1: Targets of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive
|
|
Targets in 94/62/EC |
|
|
Overall recovery target |
min. 50 %, max. 65 % |
min. 60 % |
|
Overall recycling target |
min. 25 %, max. 45 % |
min. 55 %, max.80 % |
|
Year to achieve targets |
30 June 2001 |
31 December 2008 |
Targets
in 2004/12/EC
Note: Greece, Ireland, Portugal and the EU-12 member states have individual derogations to meet the new targets. Depending on country, the targets will have to be reached 3 to 7 years later.
Source: Official Journal L 365, 31/12/1994 P. 0010 - 0023 and Official Journal L 047 , 18/02/2004 P. 0026 - 0032
Indicator specification and metadata
Indicator definition
Total packaging used in EU Member States in kg per capita.
Recycling of packaging waste as a share of packaging used in EU Member States. The amount of packaging used is expected to equal the amount of packaging waste generated because of its short lifetime.
Units
kg per capita, percentage
Policy context and targets
Context description
6th Community Environment Action Programme
- Better resource efficiency and resource and waste management to bring about more sustainable production and consumption patterns, thereby decoupling the use of resources and the generation of waste from the rate of economic growth and aiming to ensure that the consumption of renewable and non-renewable resources does not exceed the carrying capacity of the environment.
- Achieving a significant overall reduction in the volumes of waste generated through waste prevention initiatives, better resource efficiency and a shift towards more sustainable production and consumption patterns
- A significant reduction in the quantity of waste going to disposal and the volumes of hazardous waste produced while avoiding an increase of emissions to air, water and soil;
- Encouraging reuse, and for wastes that are still generated: Preference should be given to recovery and especially to recycling.
Commission Communication COM(2005) 666 "Taking sustainable use of resources forward: A Thematic Strategy on the prevention and recycling of waste"
This strategy sets out guidelines for European Union (EU) action and describes the ways in which waste management can be improved.
- Reducing the negative impact on the environment that is caused by waste throughout its life-span, from production to disposal, via recycling. This approach means that every item of waste is seen not only as a source of pollution to be reduced, but also as a potential resource to be exploited.
- The objectives preceding the adoption of this strategy still apply, namely limiting waste, and promoting the re-use, recycling and recovery of waste. These objectives are integrated into the approach based on environmental impact and on the life-cycle of resources.
Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC)
This Directive establishes a legal framework for the treatment of waste within the Community. It aims at protecting the environment and human health through the prevention of the harmful effects of waste generation and waste management.
- Prime importance is to specify basic notions such as recovery and disposal, so as to better organise waste management activities, since the generation of waste is increasing within the European Union.
- Reinforcing measures to be taken with regard to prevention as well as the reduction of the impacts of waste generation and waste management on the environment. Finally, the recovery of waste should be encouraged so as to preserve natural resources.
Directive 2004/12 on packaging and packaging waste
- Establishes targets for recycling and recovery of selected packaging materials.
Targets
Table 1: Targets of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive
| By weight | Targets in 94/62/EC | targets in 2004/12/EC |
|---|---|---|
|
Overall recovery target |
min. 50 %, max. 65 % |
min. 60 % |
|
Overall recycling target |
min. 25 %, max. 45 % |
min. 55 %, max.80 % |
|
Year to achieve targets |
30 June 2001 |
31 December 2008 |
Note: Greece, Ireland, Portugal and the New Member States have individual derogations to meet the new targets. Depending on country, the targets will have to be reached 3 to 7 years later.
Source: Official Journal L 365 , 31/12/1994 P. 0010 - 0023 and Official Journal L 047 , 18/02/2004 P. 0026 - 0032
Related policy documents
-
Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste
European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC of 20 December 1994 on packaging and packaging waste
-
Sixth Environment Action Programme (decision No 1600/2002/EC)
DECISION No 1600/2002/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 22 July 2002 laying down the Sixth Community Environment Action Programme
Methodology
Methodology for indicator calculation
The graph of quantities of packaging waste generated is derived by dividing the amount of packaging used in the country by the country's population for the year in question.
Formula:
(Total packaging waste generation (kg) / Population) = Packaging waste generation per capita
The graph of recycling of packaging waste is derived by dividing the quantity of packaging waste recycled by the total quantity of packaging waste generated and expressing it as a percentage.
Formula:
(Recycling of packaging waste in tonnes (year x)) * 100 /
Total packaging waste generation in tonnes (year x)
= Recycling rate for packaging waste (%)
Methodology for gap filling
No data gap filling is required
Methodology references
No methodology references available.
Uncertainties
Methodology uncertainty
The Commission Decision of 3 February 1997 establishes the formats, which Member States are to use in the annual reporting on the Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste. However, the decision does not define methods to estimate the quantities of packaging put on the market or to calculate the recovery and recycling rates in more detail to ensure data comparability.
Data sets uncertainty
Due to the absence of harmonised methodology, national data on packaging waste are not always comparable. Some countries include all packaging waste in the figure on total packaging waste generation while other countries only include the total for the four obligatory packaging waste streams; glass, metal, plastic, wood and paper and board.
Rationale uncertainty
No uncertainty has been specified
Data sources
-
Population statistics (Eurostat)
provided by Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat) -
Eurostat statistics on waste (env_was)
provided by Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat) -
National accounts, including GDP (Eurostat)
provided by Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat)
Metadata
Tags:
Typology: Descriptive indicator (Type A - What is happening to the environment and to humans?)
- CSI 017
- WST 002
Geographic coverage:
Countries
Austria , Belgium , Bulgaria , Croatia , Cyprus , Czech Republic , Denmark , Estonia , Finland , France , Germany , Greece , Hungary , Ireland , Italy , Latvia , Lithuania , Luxembourg , Malta , Netherlands , Norway , Poland , Portugal , Romania , Slovakia , Slovenia , Spain , Sweden , Switzerland , United KingdomDates
EEA Contact Info
Jasmina BogdanovicPermalinks
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- 30e045681f739e787dfac2ac4b2c0f39
- Permalink to latest version
- IND-24-en
For references, please go to https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators/generation-and-recycling-of-packaging-waste/generation-and-recycling-of-packaging-3 or scan the QR code.
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