Plastics crisis: One million tonnes of recycling capacity lost

2025 witnessed the largest annual reduction of installed capacity in the history of Europe’s plastics recycling industry.

Last year, the sector lost 460 000 tonnes of capacity, bringing total losses since 2023 to 900 000 tonnes, reports Plastics Recyclers Europe in a new update.

60 closed facilities, 1 800 jobs lost

Including other facilities focusing on grinding, processing, extruding, or depolymerising plastics, the total estimated loss exceeds 1.1 million tonnes, says PRE.  This figure is equivalent to 60 closed plants and 1 800 lost jobs, with most of the impact concentrated in the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

‘Now is the time to act,’ comments PRE. ‘If Europe wants to remain at the forefront of the circular transition, it cannot afford to lose this strategic sector.’