In 2023, Germany remains the leading producer of plastic packaging waste in Europe, contributing 18.27 million metric tons, followed by France (13.28 million) and the United Kingdom (12.37 million). Italy (11.89 million) and Spain (9.61 million) also contribute significantly. Notably, Poland (7.05 million) and Romania (2.79 million) experienced over 6% increases, while Hungary (2.54 million) and Ireland (1.99 million) had increases of 7.71% and 7.93%, respectively. Some countries saw minor declines, such as Denmark (-1.32%), Estonia (-1.96%), and Cyprus (-1.11%).
Future trends to watch for include the shift towards more sustainable packaging practices driven by regulatory pressures and consumer awareness. The European Union's ongoing efforts to reduce plastic waste may lead to significant reductions in plastic packaging waste, encouraging innovations in alternative materials and recycling technologies.
Top countries in Generated Plastic Packaging Waste Share by Country (Metric Tons)
| # | 10 Countries | Percent | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Germany | 18.27 | 2023 | +1.91% | +1.85% | View data |
| 2 | 2 France | 13.28 | 2023 | +1.65% | +1.8% | View data |
| 3 | 3 United Kingdom | 12.37 | 2023 | +0.54% | +0.34% | View data |
| 4 | 4 Italy | 11.89 | 2023 | +0.8% | +0.13% | View data |
| 5 | 5 Spain | 9.61 | 2023 | +2.59% | +2.42% | View data |
| 6 | 6 Poland | 7.05 | 2023 | +2.75% | +6.79% | View data |
| 7 | 7 Netherlands | 2.8 | 2023 | -0.18% | +0.73% | View data |
| 8 | 8 Romania | 2.79 | 2023 | +3.79% | +6.67% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Hungary | 2.54 | 2023 | +6.47% | +7.71% | View data |
| 10 | 10 Portugal | 2.29 | 2023 | +1.83% | +1.39% | View data |
