Plastic packaging waste - Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay

79.7 million tonnes of packaging waste were generated in the EU in 2023, according to Eurostat, amounting to 177.8 kg per inhabitant, down 8.7 kg per capita compared to 2022, but 21.2 kg higher than the figure in 2013.

Wopke Hoekstra- Photo © European Union 2025

The EU has outlined a new global climate and energy vision, an international strategy to secure Europe’s place in global markets, focused on delivering mutual economic benefits, decarbonisation and energy security.