European paper recycling rate remained stable at 76.4% in 2025
Europe’s paper recycling rate remained stable at 76.4% in 2025, according to data from the European Paper Recycling Council (EPRC) presented by Cepi. The figures cover paper products including graphic paper, packaging and tissue and confirm the maturity and resilience of the European paper recycling system.
The result reflected decades of cooperation across the value chain to establish and maintain collection, sorting and recycling systems. Consistent collection volumes and steady demand from paper mills supported a reliable flow of recovered materials, with supply and demand remaining closely aligned.
Recycling and consumption declined at similar rates
The paper recycling rate is calculated as the ratio between the recycling of used paper, including net trade in paper for recycling, and the consumption of new paper and board.
In 2025, the total amount of paper and board collected and recycled in the paper sector decreased by 0.3% to 53.9 million tonnes. Paper and board consumption declined by 0.4% to 70.5 million tonnes. With the two volumes moving at a similar pace, the recycling rate remained unchanged.
Europe continued to record the highest paper recycling rates worldwide. Most of the European countries surveyed maintained rates above 70%. Paper packaging achieved an EU average recycling rate of 86.6%, retaining its leading performance among packaging materials.
Maintaining circularity across the value chain
The EPRC highlighted the need to preserve the balance between collection and recycling while improving collection systems, recyclability and eco-design. Innovation and cooperation throughout the value chain remain central to maintaining performance and addressing future challenges.
The council was established in November 2000 as a voluntary industry initiative to monitor progress against the European Declaration on Paper Recycling. Commitments under the declaration have subsequently been renewed every five years.
In 2021, the EPRC committed to achieving and maintaining a voluntary recycling rate of 76% in the EU27, Switzerland and Norway by 2030, together with qualitative objectives covering waste prevention, eco-design and research and development. The recycling rate reached 79.3% in 2023; the rolling average for 2021–2023 was 74.4%.
Its 2025 membership included Cepi, CITPA, the European Moulded Fibre Association, the European Tissue Symposium, FEPE, the Food and Beverage Cartons Alliance, INGEDE and INTERGRAF. Supporters included Afera, EuPIA, FINAT, FEICA, IRLA and RadTECH Europe. The European Commission’s environment and industry departments participated as permanent observers.
