88% of packaging in the Netherlands recycled in 2023

The Netherlands has further solidified its position as a European leader in packaging recycling. According to a recent report from Verpact, 88% of all packaging in the Netherlands was recycled and reused in 2023. These figures indicate that the country has comfortably met both European and national targets. The Dutch recycling chain has seen significant improvements over the years, with effective agreements between all involved parties playing a crucial role.

Increase in plastic bottle recycling

The collection of plastic bottles showed a notable increase in 2023. While 68% of these bottles were collected in 2022, this percentage rose to 74% in 2023. This improvement is largely attributed to the well-functioning deposit system, which Verpact sees as essential for meeting the legal requirement of 90%. The organization remains committed to increasing collection points and engaging more producers in the system.

Recycling capacity for beverage cartons under pressure

Despite being the only EU member state with a legal recycling target for beverage cartons, the Netherlands faces challenges in processing capacity. Limited recycling facilities and issues with the permitting process caused delays in the recycling of beverage cartons in 2023. Despite these setbacks, a recycling rate of 37% is expected to be achieved in 2024. However, Verpact stresses that further investments and improvements in the recycling chain are necessary to meet these targets consistently.

Read the report: ‘Samen werken aan circulair verpakken, recycling en hergebruik van verpakkingen in Nederland’.

Verpact.nl