88% of all packaging recycled and reused

The Netherlands is once again proving its commitment to sustainability, with a remarkable increase in recycled and reused packaging from 80% in 2021 to 88% in 2022, according to the latest report from the Dutch Waste Fund for Packaging. The continued focus is not only on recycling, but also on promoting reusable packaging.

The commercial sector is already making full use of reusable packaging such as pallets, transport crates and beer kegs in closed systems. This approach has led to an equal balance between the weight of single-use and reusable packaging in the Netherlands.

Consumer convenience

The Waste Fund plays a central role in pursuing accessibility to reusable packaging for all Dutch people. This requires a national infrastructure and uniform, user-friendly reuse systems. The goal is to have completely fossil-free and circular packaging by 2050, and by 2030, 100% of all packaging should be recyclable.

Recycling plastic packaging

The report indicates that legal recycling targets are being met, but significant progress is needed to close the loop on plastic packaging. The recycling rate for plastic packaging dropped from 49% in 2021 to 46% in 2022, mainly due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumption patterns.

Deposit on bottles

The Netherlands has a robust deposit system for plastic bottles, which was expanded to include small plastic bottles in 2021. This resulted in a 51% decrease in the number of small bottles in litter by 2022. Still, the collection rate for all plastic beverage bottles is not yet at the legal target of 90%.

Looking ahead, 2023 has seen further investment in national communications, increasing the number of collection points and improving return points. The deposit system was further expanded to include cans on April 1, 2023, which helps preserve valuable resources and reduce litter.

Afvalfondsverpakkingen.nl