Pe Plastics The Facts - Final - Digital 5

Plastics –
the Facts 2022
OCTOBER 2022
Plastics - the Facts is an analysis of the latest data
related to plastics production, demand, conversion
and waste management in Europe. It also provides
information on key figures of the European plastics
industry. In short, this report gives an insight into the
industry’s contribution to European society.
PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 2 PLASTICS EUROPE

Table of content
Contribution to European society 10
World plastics data 14
European plastics data 24
End-of-life management in EU27+3 43
End-of-life management in selected countries 57
Outlook 75
List of acronyms 79

Foreword
Welcome to the 2022 edition of
Plastics - the Facts.
This year’s data confirms that after

a turbulent period, global plastics
manufacturing is bouncing back.
In 2021 global production rose 4%
to more than 390 million tonnes
demonstrating the strong and
continuing demand for plastics.
However, in Europe in particular,

there are challenges ahead. Our
latest data show that China’s
share of global plastics production
continues to grow (reaching 32%
in 2021) while Europe’s share –
which reached 57.2 million tonnes
in 2021 – continues to decline
(hitting 15%). This confirms a loss
of competitiveness that could be
exacerbated further by energy
and logistics crises resulting from Virginia Janssens, Managing Director Plastics Europe
the war in Ukraine and the ongoing
Covid pandemic.

The European plastics manufacturing industry actions and KPIs to track progress on our
is in transition. Every week I witness our member transformation journey, also enhancing value
companies investing huge amounts of capex, chain collaboration.
time, energy, imagination, and expertise to
meet our 2050 net zero and circularity targets To help monitor progress we need more reliable
sustainably. Our members are undertaking huge and comprehensive data. In this edition of
investments and a far-reaching reorganisation of “Plastics - the Facts” we have therefore included
their production and technology base. In so doing production and demand data for biobased, bio-
they are seeking ways to solve issues like plastics attributed and post-consumer recycled plastics
waste and climate change, while continuing to for the first time.
offer its various value chains, consumers and
Plastics Europe recognises that to transition to net
society the many benefits that plastics offer.
zero by 2050, faster systemic change and more
At Plastics Europe we are evolving too. Every day, intense and effective collaboration between all
we strive to be the catalyst for the industry to parts of the European plastics’ system and policy
contribute to the goals of international climate makers are essential. We also need a new and
agreements such as the COP and the EU’s Green enabling policy framework that better incentivises
Deal. investment and innovation by fostering a climate
of creative competition in a circular economy for
To support this effort, an independent report, plastics.
commissioned by Plastics Europe and called
“ReShaping Plastics: pathways to a circular, I am very proud of the progress that we have
climate neutral plastics system in Europe”, was made as an industry over the past year and
published in April this year. A living roadmap is look forward to deepen collaboration with all
now also being developed by Plastics Europe and stakeholders to keep the European industry
its members, setting out concrete milestones, globally competitive as the EU transitions to net
zero and circularity.

Notice to the reader
The Plastics – the Facts 2022 edition presents 2021 expertise from consultants completed gaps.
data for plastics production, demand, conversion Figures cannot always be directly compared
and some 2020 European and national end-of-life with those of previous years due to changes in
management figures. estimates.
A more exhaustive analysis of plastics progress All figures and graphs in this report show data
towards circularity in Europe is available in the for EU27 plus Norway, Switzerland and the United
“The Circular Economy for Plastics – A European Kingdom, which is referred to as Europe for the
Overview“. purposes of abbreviation – other country groups
are explicitly listed.
The data presented in this report was collected by
Plastics Europe (the pan-European association of Data presented in this report cover thermoplastics
plastics manufacturers) and EPRO (the European and thermosets.
Association of Plastics Recycling and Recovery
Organisations). Plastics Europe’s members, Data presented in this report are rounded
gathered in the Plastics Europe’s Market Research estimations (except Eurostat data).
Group (PEMRG), provided input on the plastics
demand by converters. Conversio Market &
Strategy GmbH helped assess plastics production
and conversion, waste collection and treatment
data. Official statistics from European or national
authorities and waste management organisations
have been used, where available. Research or

New data and definitions plastics parts and products (i.e., quantities used
for adhesives, sealants, coatings, paints, varnishes,
textiles waterproofing, or within the production of
With the view of generating data that can help to
cosmetics, medicines or chemical processes) are
address today’s sustainability challenges, and to
now excluded from the scope of the production,
ensure comparability and coherence with other
demand, conversion and end-of-life management
reports and studies, Plastics Europe has reviewed
data. PVC-, PO- and PU-fibers are included, whereas
some concepts’ definitions and the scope of its
PA-fibers, PET-, PBT-, or acryclic polyesters are not
datasets.
included.
For this edition of Plastics – the Facts, new figures
Those changes explain data differences with the
and graphs were developed for the global and
previous editions of Plastics – the Facts.
European plastics production*. As from 2021 data,
production figures will be shown by type of feedstock
: i.e., fossil-based, post-consumer recycled or bio-
based/bio-attributed plastics production.
For 2021, data on post-consumer recycled plastics For a more exhaustive analysis of
use by converters has also been added. plastics progress towards circularity,
please consult Plastics Europe’s report
Polymers that are not used in the conversion of
The Circular Economy for Plastics
– A European Overview.
*Including plastics production from polymerisation and production of mechanically
recycled plastics

The circularity
of plastics
The circular and climate neutral plastics
economy is a system in which plastics are
produced, converted, used and managed in
5.5
a sustainable way.
Mt
post-consumer recycled
plastics were used in new Today, most plastics are still produced from
fossil-based feedstock. Transitioning to a circular,
products and parts in the climate neutral economy demands investment
EU27+3 in 2021, representing and innovation from the plastics value chain to
develop new business models for reuse, produce
about 10% recycled content more recycled plastics and new feedstocks that are
rate in plastics conversion, less dependent on fossil-based oil and gas. Plastics
Europe continues working towards improving
and an increase of about knowledge and data on plastics circularity.
20% compared to 2020.
LANDFILL
CONSUMPTION PRODUCTS WASTE ENERGY

(private and industrial collection & sorting recovery
end-users) IN USE
(<1 to >50 years)
Import/
Export
RE-USE Sent for
& REPAIR RECYCLING
CONVERSION3
to plastic parts and products EXPORT
SURPLUS
Input into EU
RECYCLING PLANTS4
(post-consumer)
PRE-CONSUMER
RECYCLED PLASTICS2
Import/ output
Export PROCESS
LOSSES5
POST-CONSUMER
RECYCLED PLASTICS
output
Import/
Export
PLASTICS1 1
Chemically recycled feedstock
production CIRCULAR
1 Bio-based feedstock FEEDSTOCKS
(polymerisation)
Carbon-captured feedstock
Fossil feedstock
1. Does not include elastomers, adhesives, coatings and sealants. 2. Pre-consumer plastics waste is mainly originating from the plastics conversion and from plastics production
(polymerisation) to a lesser extent. 3. Compounding of recycled plastics and plastics from polymerisation may occur prior conversion. 4. Includes chemical recycling.
5. Process losses are usually sent to energy recovery or landfill. Parts of plastics residues could be a potential future source of chemical recycling.

Contribution
to European
society

“An industry employing
more than 1.5 million
people across the
European Union”.

The European plastics
industry: key figures
The European plastics industry includes >1.5 million
plastics manufacturers, converters, recyclers
and machinery manufacturers.
employment*
In 2021, the plastics industry gave direct
employment to more than 1.5 million people
in the European Union, a small increase
compared to 2020.
52,000 >400 billion €

companies *
turnover*
An industry with over 52,000 companies, The European plastics industry (EU27) had a
most of them SME’s, distributed across the turnover of approximately 405 billion euros
European Union. in 2021.
*2021 Plastics Europe estimations – Eurostat official data only available until 2019.

14.4 billion € >10 Mt
trade balance sent to recycling
The European plastics industry (EU27) had a More than 10 million tonnes of post-
positive trade balance of 14.4 billion euros in consumer plastics waste were sent to
2021. recycling in 2020 in the EU27+3.
~5.5 Mt
8 th
ranking post-consumer
value-added recycled plastics
The European plastics industry (EU27) ranks 8th In 2021, about 5.5 million tonnes of
in Europe in industrial value-added contribution**, post-consumer recycled plastics were
positioned after the manufacturing of electrical reintroduced in the EU27+3 economy, an
equipment. increase of about 20% compared to 2020.
* 2021 Plastics Europe estimations – Eurostat official data only available until 2019.
** Measured by value added at factor cost, 2019.

World
plastics data

“Global plastics
production bouncing
back in 2021 after a
turbulent period”.

World plastics
production* evolution
After a stagnation in 2020 due
365.5 Mt 374.8 Mt 375.5 Mt 390.7 Mt
to the Covid-19 pandemic,
the global plastics production 400
352.3
increased to 390.7 million tonnes 340.3 340
350 332
in 2021.
300
in million tonnes
Fossil-based plastics1 250
Post-consumer recycled plastics2 200
Bio-based plastics (including bio- 150

attributed plastics in 2021 data)3
100
50 30 30.8 31.6 32.5

3.5 3.7 3.9 5.9
0 2018 2019 2020 2021
Sources: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH and nova-Institute

The above data are rounded estimations.
*Including plastics production from polymerisation and production of mechanically recycled plastics
Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) are not included
1. Includes fossil-based thermoplastics, thermosets and PUR
2. Data on post-consumer recycled plastics had been developed in 2018, data for other years are estimations
3. Including bio-attributed plastics in 2021 data. Source: nova-Institute 2022; data for bio-based structural polymers, preliminary estimations for 2021

390.7Mt
world plastics production*
For the first time, Plastics - the Facts presents World plastics
production data excluding polymers that are not used in the
conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for adhesives,
sealants, coatings, paints, varnishes, or within the production
of cosmetics, medicines or chemical processes). Post-
consumer recycled and bio-based/bio-attributed plastics
production quantities are included for the first time.
As in previous editions, quantities used for textiles or

textiles waterproofing, are excluded. The scope includes
thermoplastics and thermosets.

World plastics
production* in 2021 8.3%
1.5%
In 2021, 90.2% of the world

plastics production was fossil-
based. Post-consumer recycled
plastics and bio-based/bio-
390.7
attributed plastics respectively
accounted for 8.3% and 1.5% of
the world plastics production.
in 2021
Mt
in 2021
90.2%
Fossil-based Post-consumer Bio-based/bio-

plastics recycled plastics attributed plastics1

Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) are not included.
1. nova-Institute 2022; data for bio-based structural polymers, preliminary estimations for 2021

Distribution of the global
plastics production*
In 2021, China reached almost
one third of the world’s plastics
production. CIS2
2% - 3%
China Japan
North America1 EU27+3 29% - 32% 4% - 3%
18% - 18% 19% - 15%
Middle East, Africa Rest of Asia

7% - 8% 17% - 17%
390.7
Latin America
4% - 4% 2017**
Mt
2021
global plastics production in 2021
**Only thermoplastics and PUR
1. Canada, Mexico and the United States
2. Commonwealth of Independent States: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine

plastics production* by type
In 2021, circular plastics Bio-based/
represented about 9.8% of the bio-attributed
Recycled plastics
world plastics production.
plastics 1.5%
Fossil-based 8.3% PP
thermosets
(excl. PUR) 19.3%
7.1% rcu
lar
Other Ci
fossil-based
thermoplastics1
7.1%
PE-LD, -LLD
PS, PS-E
14.4%
5.3%
PUR
se
d
5.5% ba
F o s s il -
PET
PVC
6.2%
PE-HD, -MD 12.9%
12.5%
1. Includes PBT, PEEK, PEI, POM, PPA, PSU/PES/PPSU, PTFE, PVDF and other thermoplastics not listed separately

plastics use by application
In 2021, packaging and building &
construction applications were the Others
Agriculture,
two largest world plastics markets. Farming and 12%
Gardening
4%
Household,
Leisure & Sports
7% Packaging
Electrical &
Electronics
390.7 Mt 44%
7%
Automotive
8%
Building &
Construction
18%
Sources: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH


European
plastics data

“The European plastics
industry is in transition
to meet its 2050 net zero
and circularity targets”.

European plastics
production* evolution
After a decrease in 2020 due 58.1 Mt 56.2 Mt 53.9 Mt 57.2 Mt
to the Covid-19 pandemic, the
European production increased
60
to 57.2 million tonnes in 2021.
52.4 50.1 50.1
47.5
50
40
in million tonnes
Fossil-based plastics1 30
Post-consumer recycled plastics2 20
Bio-based plastics (including bio- 10 5.8

4.9 5.2 5.5
attributed plastics in 2021 data)3
0.8 0.9 0.9 1.3
0
2018 2019 2020 2021
Sources: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH, nova-Institute, Polyglobe database by Kunststoff Information Verlagsgesellschaft mbH, Eurostat (European Statistical Office)
2018-2020 production quantities have been calculated based on the development of Eurostat production indices
1. Includes fossil-based thermoplastics, thermosets and PUR used for plastic parts and products
2. Data on recycled plastics in the EU27+ 3 had been developed in 2018 and 2020, data for other years are estimations
3. Including bio-attributed plastics in 2021 data. Source: nova-Institute 2022; data for bio-based structural polymers, preliminary estimations
57.2Mt
European plastics production*
For the first time, Plastics - the Facts presents European

plastics production data excluding polymers that are not
used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e.,
for adhesives, sealants, coatings, paints, varnishes, textiles
waterproofing, or within the production of cosmetics,
medicines or chemical processes). Post-consumer recycled
and bio-based/bio-attributed plastics production quantities
are included for the first time.
As in previous editions, quantities used for textiles or

textiles waterproofing are excluded. The scope includes
thermoplastics and thermosets.
*Including plastics production from polymerisation and mechanical recycling output

European plastics
production* in 2021
2.3%
10.1%
In 2021, European plastics
production reached 57.2 Mt.
Post-consumer recycled plastics
and bio-based/bio-attributed
plastics respectively accounted
57.2 Mt
for 10.1% and 2.3% of the
European plastics production.
in 2021
87.6%
Fossil-based Post-consumer Bio-based/bio-

plastics recycled plastics attributed plastics1

1. nova-Institute 2022; data for bio-based structural polymers, preliminary estimations for 2021

European plastics production*
by type
Bio-based/
bio-attributed
In 2021, circular plastics plastics
Recycled
represented about 12.4% of the plastics 2.3 % PP
European plastics production.
Fossil-based
10.1% 16.6%
thermosets
(excl. PUR)
lar
6.6% rcu
Ci
57.2Mt
Other PE-LD, -LLD
fossil-based
thermoplastics1 14.7%
12.1%
d
se
ba
European plastics PET
Foss
il - PVC
5.3%
production* PUR
11.4%
in 2021 5.5% PS, PS-E PE-HD, -MD
6.1% 9.3%
Sources: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH, nova-Institute, Polyglobe database by Kunststoff Information Verlagsgesellschaft mbH, Eurostat (European Statistical Office)
1. Includes PBT, PEEK, PEI, POM, PPA, PSU/PES/PPSU, PTFE, PVDF and other thermoplastics not listed separately

50.3
European plastics converters’
demand
Mt
European plastics converters’ demand data as published

in Plastics - the Facts excludes polymers that are not used
in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for
textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, paints, varnishes,
textiles waterproofing, or within the production of cosmetics,
medicines or chemical processes). European converters
demand data in Plastics - the Facts do not include recycled
and bio-based/bio-attributed plastics due to limited
data availability. The scope includes thermoplastics and
thermosets.
Demand data are built on estimations of quantities bought

by European converters, including imports.
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH based on the input of the Plastics Europe
Market Research Group (PEMRG)

European plastics converters’ 2020
demand by countries 2021
Mt
50.3Mt
23.2%
12 Countries with less than 0.5 Mt
Countries with more than 3 Mt plastics converters demand
plastics converters demand
10 1.4% 1.3% 1.1% 1.1%
nd ce k nd ay
ar kia ria nia nd ni
a tia via ni
a
al
ta
8 la e
14.3%enm nl
a a a
ua ela e rw oa at to
Sw
itz
er Gre
D
Fi Sl ov Bu
lg
Lit
h Ir Slov
EuropeanCr
No
plastics
L Es
pr
us
/M
Cy
6
converters’ demand
9.4% in 2021
7.5% 7.5% 6.9%
4
4.5%
4.2%
2 2.8%
2.1% 2% 1.9% 1.7% 1.7%
0 . l
y ly e n ux s h n ry
an Ita nc ai nd ite
d
nd ec lic ria ga de
ia
Sp la /L la Cz pub st tu ga an
r m Fra Po Un m e r Au r
Sw
e n m
Ge h e dom l g iu Th the Re Po Hu Ro
T g Ne
Kin Be
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH based on the input of the Plastics Europe
Market Research Group (PEMRG)
Demand for recycled plastics and bio-based/bio-attributed plastics is not included. Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles, adhesives,
sealants, coatings, etc.) are not included.
demand by countries
50.3Mt
European plastics
converters’ demand 2020
in 2021 2021
Countries with less than 0.5 Mt

plastics converters demand
1.4% 1.3% 1.1% 1.1%
nd ce k nd ay
ar kia ria ni
a nd ni
a tia tv
ia ni
a lta
rla ee m la va ga ua la ve rw oa La to Ma
itz
e Gr n Fin Slo Bu
l h Ire Slo No Cr Es s/
De Lit u
Sw pr
Cy
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH based on the input of the Plastics Europe Market Research Group (PEMRG)

Evolution of the plastics converters’
demand (EU27+3)
In 2021, converters plastics
demand increased for the
first time after two years of Mt
decrease.
60
51.2 51.5 50.9

49.9 50.3
49 48.9
47.8
50
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH based on interviews with converters
Demand data are built on estimations of quantities bought by European converters, including imports.

European plastics converters’ demand
by polymer type
Mt 2020
10
10
2021
8.5
8
6.3
6
5.2
4 4.1
4 3.8
2.7
2 1.6 1.5 0.9 0.8 0.8

0.2
0
D
l.
D
PA
PC
R
C
-E
PS
op
UR s
M
-M
PE
PP
PU
LL
l. P et
SA
PV
)
PS
PM
m
,-
xc os
D,
S,
D
er
(e rm
-H
AB
-L
th
PE
PE
he
er
t
th
er
O
th
O
Demand for recycled plastics and bio-based/bio-attributed plastics is not included.
Plastics - the Facts figures on PA only cover PA6 and PA66.

European plastics converters’ demand
by applications
In 2021, packaging and Others
building & construction by far 17%
represented the largest end-
Agriculture, Farming &
use markets for plastics in the Gardening
EU27+3. The third biggest end- 3.1%
use market is the automotive
Packaging
sector. Household,
50.3 Mt
Leisure & Sports 39.1%
4.4%
in 2021
Electrical &
Electronics
6.5%
Automotive
8.6%
Building &
Construction
21.3%

demand by type
Other
In 2021, almost half of thermoplastics
the European plastics Other 10.8% PP
converters’ demand was thermosets 19.8%
represented by polyolefins. (excl. PUR)
7.5%
PS, PS-E
6.2%
50.3 Mt PE-LD, -LLD
PET in 2021 16.8%

7.9%
PUR PE-HD, -MD

8.2% PVC 12.6%
10.3%

demand by application and type
Packaging 39.1%
Building & Construction 21.3%
Automotive 8.6%
Electrical & Electronics 6.5%

Agriculture,
Farming & Gardening 3.1%
Household,
Leisure & Sports 4.4%
Others 17%
PE-LD, PE-HD, PP PS PS-E PVC PET ABS, PMMA PA PC PUR Other Other
-LLD -MD SAN thermosets thermoplastics
(excl. PUR)
Numbers behind this graph are available upon request.
Plastics - the Facts figures on PA only cover PA6 and PA66.

European post-consumer recycled
plastics use reached 9.9 % in 2021
In 2021, the use of post-consumer recycled
plastics by European converters reached 5.5 Mt, 9.9%
representing a 9.9% recycled content. This
represents an increase of about 20% compared
to 2020.
90.1% 55.6 Mt
in 2021
Fossil-based
plastics
Post-consumer
recycled plastics
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH based on interviews with European plastics converters
Data on the use of bio-based/bio-attributed plastics by European converters is not included. Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles,
adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) are not included.
Data on the use of the plastics by European converters differs from the plastics converters demand data. This is explained by different scopes (recycled plastics excluded in the demand
figures). Process loss in conversion were also taken into account in the use of fossil-based plastics by converters.

Post-consumer recycled content in 2021
RECYCLED CONTENT IN NEW PRODUCTS
25.4% (592 kt)
AGRICULTURE, FARMING & GARDENING
7.2 % (4 Mt) 8.5 % (4.6 Mt) 18.1% (2,364 kt)

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION
in 2018 in 2020 8.5% (1,836 kt)

PACKAGING
2.9% (128 kt)

9.9 % (5.5 Mt) AUTOMOTIVE
3.2% (106 kt)

ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS
in 2021
2.9% (64 kt)
HOUSEWARE, LEISURE & SPORTS
Post-consumer
recycled plastics
4.6% (406 kt)
OTHERS
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH based on interviews with European plastics converters kt
The above data are rounded estimations. 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000
Data on the use of bio-based/bio-attributed plastics by European converters is not included.
Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles,

Post-consumer recycled content
evolution per applications
In 2021, post-consumer recycled content continued to
grow in the agriculture, building & construction and
packaging sectors.
% %
30 6
25.4% 5.4%
25 22.8% 5
20.3% 4.4%
18.1% 4.6%
20
16.5% 4
15 14.4 % 3.2%
Agriculture, 2.9% 2.9%
Farming & Gardening 3 2.9%
Building & Construction 2.9%
10
8.5% 2.1% 2.1%
Packaging 6.6%
2.6%
Electrical & Electronics 2
5 4.6% 1.8%
Automotive
Household, Leisure &
Sports
0 1
Others 2018 2020 2021 2018 2020 2021
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH based on interviews with European plastics converters. The above data are rounded estimations.
Data on the use of bio-based/bio-attributed plastics by European converters is not included. Polymers that are not used in the conversion of plastic parts and products (i.e., for textiles,

European trade balance
In 2021, the European plastics Plastics production EXTRA EU27* Plastics conversion EXTRA EU27**
industry achieved a positive
€bn
trade balance of 14.4 billion
40 39.2
euros.
35.5 34.6
35 34.5
33.2 33.2 33.8
31
30 28.1
28.4 28.8 30
14.4
27.9
27.3 26 26.4
26.7 26 25.4
24.3 25 23.1
23.9
20.2 20.2
18.6 20
17 16.7
16.3
15
billion € 10.4 8.9

9.9
8.6
7.1
9.3 9 10
6.9 7.1 7.8 8.2 7.7
6.5 5.4
trade balance 5
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Export Import Export surplus
Source: Eurostat
* Official Eurostat denomination: Manufacture of plastics in primary forms
** Official Eurostat denomination: Manufacture of plastic products

Top extra EU trade
partners (in value)
In 2021, the United States
Plastics production*
of America, the United
Kingdom and China were
Imports Exports
the top trade partners of THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 18.4% THE UNITED KINGDOM 14.5%
the EU27 plastics industry. SOUTH KOREA 11.3% TURKEY 11.9%
THE UNITED KINGDOM 10% CHINA 11.4%
SAUDI ARABIA 9.2% THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 10.9%
CHINA 8.7% RUSSIA 6.3%
Plastics conversion**
Imports Exports
CHINA 35.8% THE UNITED KINGDOM 17.5%

THE UNITED KINGDOM 11.4% THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 13.6%
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 11.2% SWITZERLAND 9.7%
SWITZERLAND 7.2% CHINA 7.6%
TURKEY 7.1% RUSSIA 5.5%
Source: Eurostat
* Official Eurostat denomination: Manufacture of plastics in primary forms
** Official Eurostat denomination: Manufacture of plastic products

End-of-life
management
in EU27+3

“Plastics waste recycling
rates are 13x higher when
collected separately”.

Mixed and separate post-consumer
plastics waste collection in 2020
29.5
In 2020, 29.5 million tonnes of
post-consumer plastics waste Mt
were collected in the EU27+3.
Plastics waste recycling rates
15 14.5
are 13x higher when collected
via MIXED via SEPARATE
separately compared to mixed waste collection Mt Mt waste collection
waste collection schemes.
5%
Recycling
65%
57% Recycling
Energy
recovery
27%
Energy
38%
recovery
Landfill 8 %
Landfill
Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH

Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings, etc.) is not included.
The plastics packaging waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.
Mixed waste collection: waste collection system in which end-users do not sort the different types of waste (e.g., household residual waste and municipal waste).
Separate waste collection: waste collection system in which end-users sort the different types of waste on a product level (e.g., household lightweight packaging, WEEE collection,
container parks).

Plastics waste
recycling
rates are
higher
13x
when collected
separately
compared to mixed
Between 2006-2020 collection schemes
plastics waste
exports outside the
EU27+UK
have been
reduced by
50Source: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH

%

Evolution of post-consumer plastics
waste treatment (EU27+3)
Mt
12.9
12.1 2006-2020
12.4 12.4 2006-2020 EVOLUTION
Landfill 10.4 CAGR: 4.2%
11.3
2006-2020 Energy recovery +77%
10.2
9.0 10.2 CAGR: 5.7%
Energy 8.4 9.4
recovery 8.9 8.0
7.4
Recycling +117%
8.2 7.2 6.9 2006-2020
7.4 7.7 CAGR: -4.4%
7.0 6.9
Landfill -47%
6.0
5.2 Recycling
4.7
2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020

CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate
Recycling rates for plastics packaging waste are shown under the old plastics packaging recycling calculation methodology.

Post-consumer plastics waste
management in 2020 (EU27+3)
In 2020, 35% of post-consumer
plastics waste were sent to
recycling.
23 %
Landfill
35%
Recycling
29.5 Mt
42% in 2020
Energy
recovery


Post-consumer plastics waste
treatment per country in 2020
The Netherlands1 45% 55% 0%
Norway1 44% 54% 2%
Spain 43% 21% 36%
Germany1 42% 57% 1%
Denmark1 40% 58% 2%
Sweden 39% 60% 1%
Czech Republic 39% 22% 39%
Belgium1 39% 59% 2%
The United Kingdom 37% 44% 19%
Slovenia 35% 32% 33%
Estonia 34% 46% 20%
Luxembourg1 34% 66% 0%
Latvia 34% 2% 64%
Italy 34% 34% 32% Recycling
Romania 33% 11% 56%
Portugal 32% 35% 33% Energy recovery
Austria1 31% 69% 0%
Slovakia 30% 25% 45%
Landfill
Ireland 29% 62% 9%
Switzerland1 28% 72% 0%
Croatia 28% 5% 67%
Cyprus 27% 2% 71%
Lithuania 27% 28% 45%
Poland 27% 32% 41%
Greece 25% 2% 73%
France 25% 44% 31%
Malta 23% 2% 75%
Bulgaria 23% 8% 69%
Hungary 22% 21% 57%
Finland1 21% 77% 2%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

1. Countries with landfill restrictions
2020 Dutch plastics recycling included some quantities of plastics packaging waste collected in 2019, due to a fire in a local recycling facility in 2019.

Four countries have
recycling rates above 40%

Mixed and separate post-consumer
plastics PACKAGING waste collection
in 2020
17.9
In 2020, 17.9 million tonnes
of post-consumer plastics Mt
packaging waste were collected
in the EU27+3.
Plastics packaging waste

via MIXED
waste collection 7.9 Mt 10 Mt
via SEPARATE
waste collection
recycling rates are 80x higher 1%

Recycling
when collected separately
80%
compared to mixed waste 62% Recycling
collection schemes. Energy
recovery
18%
Energy
37%
recovery
Landfill 2 %
Landfill

Recycling rates for plastics packaging waste are shown under the old plastics packaging recycling methodology. The plastics packaging waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated
based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.
Mixed waste collection: waste collection system in which end-users do not sort the different types of waste (e.g., household residual waste and municipal waste).
Separate waste collection: waste collection system in which end-users sort the different types of waste on a product level (e.g., household lightweight packaging, WEEE collection, container parks).
Separate waste collection streams do not contain 100% plastics, since they may be mixed with other materials (e.g., a computer is composed of different types of materials).

80x
Plastics
PACKAGING
waste recycling
rates are
higher
when collected
separately
compared to mixed
collection schemes

Post-consumer plastics PACKAGING
waste management in 2020 (EU27+3)
In 2020, the overall European
recycling rate for post-consumer
plastics packaging reached 46%
(under the former Packaging
and Packaging Waste Directive 17
%
Landfill
(PPWD) calculation methodology),
compared to 42% in 2018 – an
increase of about 9.5%.
9.5 %
increase 37%
17.9 Mt
in 2020
46%
Recycling
Energy
recovery
of plastics packaging
recycling rate since 2018
Recycling rates for plastics packaging waste are shown under the old plastics packaging recycling methodology. The plastics packaging waste data used for the above graph were
extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.

Since 2006, post-consumer plastics
PACKAGING* waste recycling has
more than doubled
The 2006-2020 plastics Mt
8.2
packaging waste recycling 2006-2020
CAGR: 5.4%
evolution in the EU27+3 showed 7.5
a Compound Annual Growth 7.2
Rate of 5.4%. 6.8
6.5 2006-2020
Recycling 6.3 7.0
6.7 CAGR: 4.1%
2006-2020 EVOLUTION
6.5
Landfill 5.7
6.1
Recycling +110%
5.4
4.6 Energy recovery
Energy recovery +76% 5.1
4.2
3.9 4.5
Landfill -57% 3.5
3.4
3.8 3.3
3.1
2006-2020
CAGR: -5.9%
CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020
*From household, industrial and commercial packaging
Recycling rates for plastics packaging waste are shown under the old plastics packaging recycling methodology. The plastics packaging waste data used for the above graph were
extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.

Post-consumer plastics PACKAGING
waste treatment per country in 2020
(EU27+3) 2030 PPWD target: 55%²
2025 PPWD target: 50%²
2020 EU average post-consumer

plastics packaging recycling rate: 46%¹
The Netherlands 65%

Germany 55%
The current 46% recycling Czech Republic 55%
Belgium
rate would potentially equal
54%
The United Kingdom 52%
32% under the new plastics Spain

Italy
52%
49%
packaging recycling calculation Norway 49%
Sweden 47%
methodology foreseen by the Estonia 47%
Latvia
Packaging and Packaging Waste
46%
Romania 44%
Directive (PPWD) (Directive (EU) Slovakia

Slovenia
44%
44%
2018/852). Portugal 42%
Luxembourg 41%
Switzerland 40%

Lithuania 39% Recycling
Cyprus 39%
Non-plastics waste (i.e., textiles, adhesives, sealants,
Bulgaria 38%
coatings, etc.) is not included.
Austria 38%
1. Under the former point of calculation: Materials sent for
Denmark 38%
recycling - Directive (EU) 94/62/EC
Poland 37%
2. Under the new point of calculation: Materials entering
Croatia 34%
pelletisation, extrusion and moulding processes - Directive Malta 34%
(EU) 2018/852 Greece 32%
The plastics packaging waste data used for the above Ireland 32%
graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. France 27%
The above data were rounded. Finland 27%
Recycling rates for plastics packaging waste are shown Hungary 26%
under the old plastics packaging recycling calculation
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
methodology.
2020 Dutch plastics recycling included some quantities of
plastics packaging waste collected in 2019, due to a fire in
a local recycling facility in 2019.

End-of-life
management
in selected
countries

“In 2020, four countries
had plastics recycling
rates above 40%”.

Belgium · All plastics
From 2006 to 2020, the Post-consumer plastics waste treatment evolution 2006-2020 (in kt)
quantities sent to recycling
increased by 69%, energy
recovery increased by 19% and
landfill decreased by 83%. kt 389
Energy recovery 2006-2020
341 (CAGR: 1.3%)
2006-2020 EVOLUTION
286
Recycling +69%
227
Energy recovery +19% 206
2006-2020
Recycling (CAGR: 3.8%)
Landfill -83% 134
2020
60
39%
Landfill 2006-2020
578 kt 10 10 (CAGR: -12.1%)

59%
in 2020 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020
2%
The plastics packaging consumption and waste data used for the above graph were extrapolated based on 2019 available figures. The above data were rounded.

Belgium · Plastics PACKAGING*
Post-consumer plastics PACKAGING* waste treatment From 2006 to 2020, the quantities
treatment evolution 2006-2020 (in kt) of post-consumer plastics
packaging waste sent to recycling
increased by 59%, energy recovery
kt increased by 8% and landfill
Energy recovery 198
decreased by 100%.
172 2006-2020
(CAGR: 3.4%)
149 2006-2020 EVOLUTION

137
2006-2020
Recycling 148 (CAGR: 0.6%)
Recycling +59%
108
Energy recovery +8%
Landfill -100%
31
Landfill
0 0 2006-2020
2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020
(CAGR: -100%) 54%
320 kt 46%
in 2020
* From household, industrial and commercial packaging

France · All plastics
From 2006 to 2020, the quantities Post-consumer plastics waste treatment evolution 2006-2020 (in kt)
sent to recycling increased by
88%, energy recovery increased
by 42% and landfill decreased kt
by 20%.
1,672
1,587 2006-2020
2006-2020 EVOLUTION Energy recovery (CAGR: 2,5%)
1,455
Recycling +88%
1,178 1,189 1,159 2006-2020
(CAGR: -1.6%)
Energy recovery +42% Landfill 929
887 2006-2020
(CAGR: 4.6%)
Recycling
Landfill -20%
495
25%
44%
3,760 kt 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020
in 2020
31%
France · Plastics PACKAGING*
evolution 2006-2020 (in kt) of post-consumer plastics
kt
increased by 32% and landfill
2006-2020
Energy recovery 1,008 1,040 (CAGR: 2%) decreased by 16%.
2006-2020 EVOLUTION
796
790
Recycling +45%
Landfill 723 2006-2020
(CAGR: -1.2 %)
670
Energy recovery +32%
621 2006-2020
640 (CAGR: 2.7%)
Recycling Landfill -16%
440 27%
44%
2,350 kt
2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020
in 2020
*From household, industrial and commercial packaging 29 %

Germany · All plastics
landfill decreased by 80%. kt
2006-2020 EVOLUTION 2006-2020
3,233 (CAGR: 3.7%)
3,120
Recycling +104%
Energy recovery
2006-2020
(CAGR: 5.2%)
Energy recovery +67% 2,263
2,055
1,873
Landfill -80%
Recycling
1,112
42%
5,419 kt Landfill
in 2020 57% 174
35
2006-2020
35 (CAGR: -10.8%)
2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020

1%

Germany · Plastics PACKAGING*
1,752
2006-2020 decreased by 93%.
(CAGR: 2.9%)
Energy recovery 2006-2020 EVOLUTION

1,572
1,571
Recycling +95%
2006-2020
(CAGR: 2.8%)
1,409 Energy recovery +47%
955
Landfill -93%
Recycling
898 Landfill
55%
44 2 3 2006-2020
(CAGR: -17,5%) 3,163 kt
2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 in 2020 45%


Italy · All plastics
landfill decreased by 52%. kt
2,516
2006-2020 EVOLUTION
Recycling +77%

Landfill
2006-2020
Landfill -52% (CAGR: 4.1%)
1,296 2006-2020
(CAGR: 3.3%)
1,203
1,192
34% 1,198
Energy recovery 1,144
34% 1,143 2006-2020
3,545 kt 759 (CAGR: -5.5%)
in 2020 681 Recycling
2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020
32%

Italy · Plastics PACKAGING*
2006-2020
decreased by 83%.
1,024
(CAGR: 3.9%)
Energy recovery 1,076
2006-2020 EVOLUTION
883 2006-2020
986 986 (CAGR: 3.1%)
Recycling +70%
Recycling
645
632
Landfill Landfill -83%
287 44%
49%
2,209 kt
2006-2020
(CAGR: -12%)
147
2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 in 2020

7 %

Poland · All plastics
landfill decreased by 18%.
kt
2006-2020 EVOLUTION
1,025
Landfill
Recycling +177%
844 2006-2020
812 (CAGR: -1.4%)
2006-2020
664 (CAGR: 41.8%)
Landfill -18%
Energy recovery
582 2006-2020
543 (CAGR: 7.6%)
27%
525
32% Recycling
2,051 kt 196
in 2020 5
2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020

41%

Poland · Plastics PACKAGING*
kt recovery increased by 85% and
507
2006-2020 EVOLUTION
425 2006-2020
405 (CAGR: 5.8%) Recycling +120%
Recycling
Landfill 432 2006-2020
(CAGR: 37.5%)
352 Energy recovery +85%
2006-2020
317 (CAGR: -3.8%)
293
Landfill -42%
193
Energy recovery
37% 38%
5
1,150 kt
2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020
in 2020

*From household, industrial and commercial packaging 25 %

Spain · All plastics
kt
2006-2020 EVOLUTION
1,686
Recycling +137%
Energy recovery +73% Landfill

1,077 1,106
2006-2020
(CAGR: 6.4%)
Landfill -45% 923
2006-2020
996 (CAGR: -4.2%)
21%
Recycling
43% Energy recovery 2006-2020
467
2,567 kt
(CAGR: 4%)
538
496
311
in 2020
2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020
36%

Spain · Plastics PACKAGING*
kt recovery increased by 3.8% and
1,032
889
2006-2020 EVOLUTION
839 2006-2020
(CAGR: 6.2%)
Recycling +133%
Landfill
560 585 Energy recovery +3.8%

2006-2020
(CAGR: -4%)
Recycling Landfill -43%

381
14%
232 256 241
2006-2020
(CAGR: 0.3%)
Energy recovery
2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020

52% 1,715 kt
in 2020
34%

The Netherlands · All plastics
kt
Energy recovery 617
577
2006-2020 EVOLUTION 2006-2020
(CAGR: 0.5%)
Recycling +170% 537

2006-2020
(CAGR: 7.4%)
478
Energy recovery +7%
Recycling
Landfill -98% 316
177
137
45%
1,058 kt 55% Landfill
4 2.5
in 2020 2006-2020
(CAGR: -23.9%)
2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020


The Netherlands · Plastics PACKAGING*
evolution 2006-2020 (in kt) of plastics post-consumer
kt
412
2006-2020
(CAGR: 7.6%) landfill decreased by 100%.
315 2006-2020 EVOLUTION

Energy recovery
258 Recycling +178%
Recycling 254 218
2006-2020
(CAGR: -2.6%) Energy recovery +31%
148
Landfill -100%
Landfill
50
0 0 2006-2020 35%
630 kt
(CAGR: -100%)
2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2017 2020
in 2020
65%

The United Kingdom · All plastics
From 2006 to 2020, the
Post-consumer plastics waste treatment evolution 2006-2020 (in kt)
recovery increased by 657%
kt
and landfill decreased by 72%.
2006-2020 EVOLUTION
2,59 Landfill
Recycling +175%
1,802
1,750
Energy recovery +657% 2006-2020
(CAGR: 15.6%)
2006-2020
(CAGR: 7.5%)
Landfill -72% 1,446
1,261
Recycling
2006-2020
882 (CAGR: -8.6%)
525
37% 735
Energy recovery
44%
3,931 kt
in 2020 231
2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020
19%

The United Kingdom ·
Plastics PACKAGING* From 2006 to 2020, the quantities
of post-consumer plastics
Post-consumer plastics PACKAGING* waste treatment
evolution 2006-2020 (in kt)
kt
1,461
2006-2020 EVOLUTION
Landfill
1,145
2006-2020
1,044
(CAGR: 6.4%)
Recycling +138%
Recycling 989
2006-2020
(CAGR: 13.2%)
785 Landfill -83%
481
Energy recovery
2006-2020 36%
138 329 (CAGR: -11.8%)
253
52%
2,183 kt
2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 in 2020
*From household, industrial and commercial packaging 12%

Outlooks

“Energy and logistics
crises leading to
uncertainties and
challenges for the
European plastics
industry”.

Plastics industry
production in EU27
Index 2015 = 100;
on a quarterly basis, seasonally
and working day adjusted
In 2022, the war in Ukraine

reinforced the already existing
130
problems in the supply chains
and the high prices for feedstock
and energy. High prices, 120
especially in Europe, weakened

economic growth and led to a 110
lower demand for plastics.
100
Plastics and rubber machinery

90
Plastics in primary forms
Plastics products
80
70
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Source: Eurostat, September 2022

Production of plastics
in primary forms in EU27
Index 2015 = 100;
on a quarterly basis, seasonally
and working day adjusted
The sharp decline in the 120

European plastics production
caused by the Covid-19
pandemic in the first half 110
of 2020 was followed by an
even stronger recovery in
2021. However, significant 100
uncertainties remain for end
2022 and 2023 due to the current
energy and logistics crises. 90
Growth rate:
80
2020: -5%
2021: 10.5%
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2022
2022: -4% (prediction with
the assumption of no gas
shortage in Europe) Plastics in primary forms Average annual index, estimate for 2022
Due to geopolitical uncertainties, it is not possible to present a prediction for 2023.

Index 2015 = 100; on a quarterly basis, seasonally and working day adjusted
Source: Eurostat, September 2022

List of acronyms
ABS: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin PEI: Polyetherimide

ASA: Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate PE-LD: Polyethylene, low density
bn: billion PE-LLD: Polyethylene, linear low density
CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate PE-MD: Polyethylene, medium density
CIS: Commonwealth of Independent States PEMRG: Plastics Europe Market Research Group
EU: European Union PET: Polyethylene terephthalate
EU27+3: EU Member States, Norway, Switzerland PMMA: Polymethyl methacrylate
and the United Kingdom POM: Polyoxymethylene
EU27+UK: EU Member States and the United PP: Polypropylene
Kingdom PPA : Polyphtalamide
EPRO: European Association of Plastics Recycling PS: Polystyrene
and Recovery Organisations PS-E: Expandable polystyrene
kt: kilo tonnes PTFE: Polytetrafluoroethylene
Mt: million tonnes PSU/PES/PPSU: polysulfone/polyethersulfone/
PA: Polyamides. Plastics - the Facts figures on PA polyphenylsulfone
only cover PA6 and PA66 PUR: Polyurethane
PBT: Polybutylene terephthalate PVC: Polyvinyl chloride
PC: Polycarbonate PVDF: Polyvinylidene fluoride
PE: Polyethylene SAN: Styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer
PEEK: Polyethertherketone
PE-HD: Polyethylene, high density

Plastics Europe
Plastics Europe is the pan-European association of plastics manufacturers with offices across Europe.
For over 100 years, science and innovation has been the DNA that cuts across our industry. With close
to 100 members producing over 90% of all polymers across Europe, we are the catalyst for the industry
with a responsibility to openly engage with stakeholders and deliver solutions which are safe, circular
and sustainable. We are committed to implementing long-lasting positive change.
www.plasticseurope.org
EPRO
European Association of Plastics Recycling and Recovery Organisations
EPRO is a pan-European partnership of specialist organisations that are able to develop and deliver
efficient solutions for the sustainable management of plastic waste, now and for the future. EPRO
members are working to optimise national effectiveness through international co-operation: by
studying successful approaches, evaluating different solutions and examining obstacles to progress.
By working together EPRO members can achieve synergies that will increase efficient plastics recycling
and recovery. Currently 19 organisations in 14 European countries, South Africa and Canada are
represented in EPRO.
www.epro-plasticsrecycling.org

@PlasticsEurope
PlasticsEurope
Plastics Europe AISBL EPRO

Rue Belliard 40 • Box 16 Konigin Astridlaan 58 • Bus 5
1040 Brussels • Belgium 1780 Wemmel • Belgium
+32 (0)2 792 30 99 +32 (0)2 456 84 49
connect@plasticseurope.org info@epro-plasticsrecycling.org
plasticseurope.org www.epro-plasticsrecycling.org
© 2022 Plastics Europe AISBL • All rights reserved

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Plastics –

the Facts 2022

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 2 PLASTICS EUROPE

World plastics data 14

European plastics data 24

End-of-life management in EU27+3 43

End-of-life management in selected countries 57

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 3 PLASTICS EUROPE

This year’s data confirms that after

However, in Europe in particular,

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 4 PLASTICS EUROPE

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 5 PLASTICS EUROPE

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 6 PLASTICS EUROPE

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 7 PLASTICS EUROPE

CONSUMPTION PRODUCTS WASTE ENERGY

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 9 PLASTICS EUROPE

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 10 PLASTICS EUROPE

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 11 PLASTICS EUROPE

52,000 >400 billion €

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 12 PLASTICS EUROPE

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 13 PLASTICS EUROPE

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 14 PLASTICS EUROPE

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 15 PLASTICS EUROPE

Fossil-based plastics1 250

Post-consumer recycled plastics2 200

Bio-based plastics (including bio- 150

50 30 30.8 31.6 32.5

Sources: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH and nova-Institute

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 16 PLASTICS EUROPE

As in previous editions, quantities used for textiles or

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 17 PLASTICS EUROPE

In 2021, 90.2% of the world

Fossil-based Post-consumer Bio-based/bio-

Sources: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH and nova-Institute

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 18 PLASTICS EUROPE

Middle East, Africa Rest of Asia

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 20 PLASTICS EUROPE

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 21 PLASTICS EUROPE

Sources: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 22 PLASTICS EUROPE

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 24 PLASTICS EUROPE

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 25 PLASTICS EUROPE

Post-consumer recycled plastics2 20

Bio-based plastics (including bio- 10 5.8

For the first time, Plastics - the Facts presents European

As in previous editions, quantities used for textiles or

*Including plastics production from polymerisation and mechanical recycling output

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 27 PLASTICS EUROPE

Fossil-based Post-consumer Bio-based/bio-

Sources: Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH and nova-Institute

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 28 PLASTICS EUROPE

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 29 PLASTICS EUROPE

European plastics converters’ demand data as published

Demand data are built on estimations of quantities bought

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 30 PLASTICS EUROPE

demand by countries 2021

Countries with less than 0.5 Mt

1.4% 1.3% 1.1% 1.1%

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 32 PLASTICS EUROPE

51.2 51.5 50.9

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

PLASTICS - THE FACTS 2022 | OCTOBER 2022 33 PLASTICS EUROPE

2 1.6 1.5 0.9 0.8 0.8