Belgium achieved a plastic packaging recycling rate of 54% in 2022, placing it second among European Union countries behind Slovakia, according to data released Thursday by Eurostat.
Across the EU, a total of 83.4 million tonnes of packaging was generated, equating to 186.5 kilograms per inhabitant.
This marks a decrease of 3.6 kilograms per person compared to 2021 but an increase of 31.7 kilograms since 2012. These packages consisted of 41% paper and cardboard, 19% plastic, 16% wood, and 5% metal.
On average, 36.1 kilograms of plastic packaging was generated per person in the EU in 2021, with 14.7 kilograms being recycled.
Thus, the EU’s plastic packaging recycling rate reached 41%, showing a slight improvement from 38% in 2012 despite the increase in packaging.
Belgium surpasses the European average with its 54% recycling rate. Only Slovakia performs better, with a 60% rate.
Germany and Slovenia also rank highly, each with a 51% recycling rate. The lowest performers are Malta with a 16% recycling rate, Denmark at 23%, and both France and Austria at 25%.
