Author: Kirstin Linnenkoper
Installed capacity for plastic recycling in Europe increased by 17% in 2021 compared to the previous year, according to Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE). The figure totalled 11.3 million tonnes thanks to more than 730 recycling facilities. A PRE report says processing of flexible PP & PE, PET and rigid PP & PE accounts for the largest proportion of the overall capacity in EU27+3, representing nearly 80%. Individually, the materials account for 28%, 26% and 25%. Germany, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, and France have the biggest installed capacities, representing 67% of the market. Meanwhile, notable growth is being witnessed in Poland and the Netherlands. Investment in plastics recycling was estimated at EUR 1.75 billion in 2021.