Recycling Summit: overcapacity & cheap imports put pressure on EU recyclers
2025.09.03 - 22:34
Recycling plants in Europe operated at ~55% capacity in 2023; low-priced imports further undermine competitiveness.
At a recent summit, experts highlighted structural issues in the European recycling sector: chronic overcapacity, plant utilization of only about 55% in 2023, and increasing competition from cheap imports (notably from Asia and Turkey). This creates margin pressure, forcing many recyclers to consider consolidation or closures. Industry leaders argue that long-term contracts, stronger traceability, and harmonized quality standards are needed to stabilize the market and support investments.