The European paper recycling rate increased from 71.7% in 2018 to 72% in 2019, data from the European Paper Recycling Council (EPRC) shows.
Paper for recycling was maintained at high levels, according to EPRC, despite a decrease in paper and board consumption in Europe.
The sharp decline in Chinese demand for European paper was balanced by increased demand from other countries such as Turkey and India.
EPRC chairwoman Angelika Christ said: “The increase to 72% shows that paper recycling is not only a promise, but is already today a model for circularity and a strong contributor to the European Green Deal.”
Now EPRC will monitor the development of the recycling rate for European paper and its progress towards meeting a 74% recycling target in 2020.
Founded in 2000, EPRC committed itself to the voluntary 74% recycling rate by 2020 and includes the EU27 plus Switzerland and Norway.
Signatories of the EPRC are ACE, CEPI, CITPA, EMFA, ETS, EuRIC, FEPE, INGEDE and INTERGRAF.
