European paper recycling rate tops 70%

The European Recovered Paper Council (ERPC)  has released its final monitoring report for 2015 that shows the paper recycling rate in Europe reached 71.5 percent in 2015. According to the ERPC, the collection and recycling of paper has increased by close to 1 million tonnes since 2010.

The figures for 2015 topped ERPC’s target of a 70 percent recovery rate, which the ERPC set in the Third European Declaration on Paper Recycling for the period 2010-2015.

“The efforts of the ERPC perfectly complement EU policy on Circular Economy. The paper fibre loop can serve as the perfect model for circularity,” says ERPC Chairman Henri Vermeulen. “All 13 ERPC associations are proud to be part of a value chain ‘Made in Europe,’ prolonging value creation and job opportunities.”

In addition to the quantitative progress, a lot of qualitative work was done, particularly with initiatives to facilitate the recycling process and increase recycling activity. The initiatives include collection and applying eco-design to paper products.

For the period between 2011 and 2015, the consulting firm Ernst & Young have independently verified the recycling rate calculations. Currently, a new ambitious commitment for 2016-2020 is being prepared, which is expected to drive the paper industry to reach higher recycling rates throughout Europe.

The ERPC was set up for the launch of the First European Declaration on Paper Recovery in late 2000 with the aim to monitor the progress made towards meeting the recycling targets set out in the European Declaration.

ERPC’s tasks were the following:

Coordinate the commitments of all the Signatories and Supporters;

take steps to improve the quality of the information available;

discuss all relevant matters regarding the successful operation of the European Declaration;

coordinate public information on the achievements of the European Declaration; and

produce annual reports