Plastic means employment and security
+1.6 million
workers
People employed by the European plastics industry.
Approximately
60,000 companies
In the European plastics industry in Europe.
Revenues of more than
360 billion euros (2018)
Plastic is a key player in the European economy.
Today, plastic…
Supports country budgets
The European plastics industry contributed 28.8 billion euros to public finances and social welfare in 2018.
Recycling occurs worldwide
In 2018, 9.4 million tonnes of plastic post-consumer waste were collected in Europe to be recycled (inside and outside the EU)*.
* Data from Plastics – The Facts 2019
An analysis of European plastics production, demand and waste data. Data for EU-28 plus Norway and Switzerland.
Plastic, a driving
force for the economy
Italy, no. 2 producer in Europe
Italy is one of the largest producers in Europe and makes 13.9% of the plastic on the continent, coming in just after Germany.
Plastic increases the GDP
The plastics industry increased the Italian GDP by 2.4 and tripled new jobs.
* The European House Ambrosetti study, data for Italy, 2013
We recycle more than 40% here
In Italy, from 40 to 50% of plastic is recycled.
A source of pride
Italy holds a prominent position in the European plastics industry.
A matter of commitment
Recycling more than 40% is a positive outcome. But, we can do more with a commitment from everyone: producers, institutions and consumers.
Plastic is not for throwing into the trash.
Plastic has a long life
Products made with plastic have a diverse life cycle, from one to more than 50 years.
42.6% becomes new energy
In the legal collection of plastic refuse, more than 40% is used to generate energy, 32.5% is recycled and less than 25% is dumped in landfills.
Since 2006, recycling has increased by 100% in Europe
When comparing the re-use of plastic refuse from 2006 to 2018, 3 positive data points emerge.
We’re more autonomous in plastic recycling
In 2018, more than 29 million tons of plastic refuse were collected in Europe for recycling. And export of European plastic refuse for recycling in other countries worldwide decreased by 39% from 2016 to 2018.
The case for plastic packaging
+92% plastic packaging recycling in Europe
From 2006 to 2018, the volume of recycled refuse from plastic post-consumer packaging doubled. Of that, the amount used to generate energy rose by 84% and the amount dumped in landfills fell by 54%.
Italy is in the top 10
In Europe, efforts to recycle plastic packaging refuse vary from country to country, some recycling just 26% to the most vigilant at 52%. Despite the wide-ranging standings, Italy still ranks in the top ten, recycling just under 45%.
How plastic packaging is recycled in Europe
42% is recycled for re-use in manufacturing new products
39.5% is used to generate energy
18.5 is dumped in landfills
Europe is learning to recycle packaging
In 2018, a good 17 of the 28 countries included in this study recycled more than 40% of their plastic packaging refuse. And 3 countries even exceeded 50%.
A source of pride
More than half of the plastic packaging refuse in Europe is recycled. A superior performance.
A matter of commitment
Italy ranks ninth among the countries recycling plastic. And we are quite sure that we can improve its standing.
Future objectives.
Plastics 2030 – a voluntary commitment
Bringing together plastic product manufacturers in Europe, PlasticsEurope solicited a voluntary commitment in 2018 that focuses on 4 calls to action:
- produce recyclable material (target: 100%)
- increase re-use and recycling (target: over 55%)
- prevent the disposal of plastic materials into the environment (target: 10% less plastic in the landfills)
- accelerate the efficiency of resources
Future European Objectives
2030: 60% recycling of plastic packaging refuse
2060: 100% recycling of plastic packaging refuse
Hundreds of programs worldwide
355 programs are already being implemented or are in progress within the framework of the Global Plastics Alliance, a coalition of 74 plastics associations worldwide.
Did you know that…
young people like plastic. In fact, according to the Censis 2018 report, The Plastic Challenge: Smart Management for a Smart Material, all generations agree that plastic is essential in at least one area of their lives. In particular, 98.6% of millennials (18-34 years old), 96.8% of baby boomers (35-64) and 94% of Italians over 65.