European paper and board recycling rate holds at 76.4% in 2025

The European Paper Recycling Council (EPRC) reports that Europe recycled 76.4% of all paper and board in 2025, matching the prior year's rate as collection volumes and consumption fell by similar margins. The industry collected and recycled 53.9m tonnes against consumption of 70.5m tonnes, with the EU paper packaging recycling rate at 86.6%.

Why this mattersA stable, high recycling rate underpins the fibre industry's circularity case as PPWR recycled-content and collection targets tighten across the EU.

• Europe recycled 76.4% of paper and board in 2025, unchanged from the previous year.
• The industry collected and recycled 53.9m tonnes of paper and board in 2025, down 0.3% year on year.
• European paper and board consumption was 70.5m tonnes in 2025, down 0.4% year on year.
• The EU average recycling rate for paper packaging was 86.6% in 2025.
• EPRC calculates the recycling rate by comparing recycled paper volumes, including net trade in recovered paper, against consumption.
• Most European countries surveyed maintained a paper recycling rate above 70%.

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