European Paper Recycling Council (EPRC) data shows that the recycling rate for all paper products, including graphic paper, packaging and tissue, remained stable at 76.4 percent in 2025, confirming the robustness and maturity of Europe’s paper recycling system.
The stable recycling rate reflects the long-standing commitment of the paper industry and its partners to circularity. For decades, stakeholders across the value chain have worked together to build and maintain efficient collection, sorting and recycling systems, creating the conditions for a well-functioning market for paper for recycling, where supply and demand remain closely aligned. Consistent collection volumes and steady demand from paper mills have ensured a reliable circular flow of materials across the value chain.
The resulting recycling rate, which reached 76.4 percent in 2025, is defined as the ratio between the recycling of used paper, including net trade of Paper for Recycling (PfR), and the consumption of new paper and board.
Year-to-year, the total amount of paper and board collected and recycled in the paper sector decreased by 0.3 percent to 53.9 million tonnes, while consumption of paper and board decreased by 0.4 percent to 70.5 million tonnes. As consumption and recycling volumes declined at a similar rate, the recycling rate remained stable.
Europe continues to lead globally in paper recycling, maintaining its position as the region with the highest recycling rates worldwide. The majority of European countries surveyed, sustain recycling rates above 70 percent. Paper packaging in particular continues to achieve the highest recycling performance among packaging materials, reaching 86.6 percent as an EU average.
Looking ahead, the EPRC highlights the importance of maintaining this equilibrium while continuing efforts to improve collection systems, enhance recyclability and promote eco-design, something it will continue to monitor transparently. Innovation and cooperation across the value chain will remain key to sustaining performance and meeting future challenges. The European paper industry remains committed to maintaining high recycling rates and strengthening circularity across all paper products.
Published November 2026
