According to PlasticsEurope, thanks to continuous improvement in plastics end-of-life management options and a growing public awareness, the amount of plastics ending up in landfills is constantly decreasing despite an increase of 2.5% in post-consumer plastic waste in 2010 (last year analyzed by PlasticsEurope).The total plastic production in Europe reached57 million tonnes, up by almost 4% from 2009.
Demand from the converting/processing industry reached 46.4 million tonnes, increasing by 4.5% compared to 2009.
Post-consumer waste reached 24.7 million tonnes, increasing by 2.5% from 2009 levels. Out of these, 10.4 million tonnes were disposed of and14.3 million tonnes were recovered.
The recycled quantity increased by 8.7% thanks to stronger activity from citizens, packaging collection schemes and recycling companies.
The amount of plastics used in energy recovery increased by 9.8%, mainly due to increased use of post-consumer plastic waste as a complementary fuel in power plants and cement kilns.
Overall 9.3% more post-consumer plastics were recycled and used for energy recovery compared to 2009.
Figure below shows the change in recycling and recovery rates between 2009 and 2010 in comparison with the average annual change over the years 2006to 2010. Recycling and recovery rates rose more between 2009 and 2010 than the average change for 2006 - 2010. Landfill decreased somewhat less due to a growth in the total quantity of waste generated.
Total plastics waste recycling and recovery 2006 – 2010
