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.

Ursula von der Leyen - Photo © European Union 2025 - Source EP

The EU Commission has unveiled its 2026 work programme geared to EU priorities of boosting competitiveness, harnesssing the power of the Single Market, simplifying EU rules and addressing the affordability crisis.