European Recovered Wooden Packaging Waste by Country

In 2023, Spain led European countries in recovered wooden packaging waste, recycling 58 kg per capita. Germany and Finland followed, driven by environmental regulations and continued industry engagement. Germany experienced modest growth, while Finland’s numbers were more robust. Norway, the Netherlands, and Belgium have shown consistent improvements, with the Netherlands seeing a notable rise. In contrast, the UK, Ireland, and Luxembourg recorded declines, indicating challenges in recycling efforts. Croatia saw the largest growth percentage, underscoring a significant effort to enhance recycling infrastructure, while Cyprus and Iceland noted declines, highlighting areas needing attention.

Future trends to watch include the impact of evolving EU regulations on recycling practices, technological advancements in waste recovery, and the increasing corporate commitment to sustainability. These factors are likely to drive future growth, especially in digitally advanced countries such as Germany and the Netherlands, whereas Eastern European nations might face adaptation challenges.