The United Kingdom and Germany remain the largest exporters of plastic waste, though both have experienced declines in 2023. Notably, Denmark, Sweden, Slovenia, and Croatia have marked double-digit growth in their exports, reflecting an expanding industry or increased regulatory pressures to manage waste. Italy, Poland, and Austria have also seen moderate growth, indicating a push towards higher export volumes. Conversely, countries like the Czech Republic, Portugal, and Finland have noted declines, suggesting either domestic policy changes or shifts in market demand.
Future trends to watch include:
- Potential regulations from the EU to limit plastic waste exports which could significantly impact countries with high export volumes.
- Technological advancements in recycling within Europe potentially decreasing the need for exports.
- Growing sustainability initiatives pushing for reductions in plastic usage and enhanced waste management solutions domestically.
Top countries in Plastics Waste Exports by Country
| # | 10 Countries | Metric Tons | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 United Kingdom | 931,090 | 2023 | +0.99% | -0.76% | View data |
| 2 | 2 Germany | 906,750 | 2023 | -8.55% | -6.25% | View data |
| 3 | 3 Belgium | 700,660 | 2023 | +3.07% | +0.89% | View data |
| 4 | 4 France | 675,080 | 2023 | +2.52% | -0.32% | View data |
| 5 | 5 Italy | 475,160 | 2023 | +4.49% | +4.42% | View data |
| 6 | 6 Netherlands | 457,230 | 2023 | -0.69% | +1.48% | View data |
| 7 | 7 Slovenia | 246,360 | 2023 | +4.54% | +10.51% | View data |
| 8 | 8 Poland | 237,260 | 2023 | +3.86% | +2.06% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Austria | 225,470 | 2023 | +4.35% | +2.92% | View data |
| 10 | 10 Denmark | 193,190 | 2023 | +13.06% | +11.63% | View data |
