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European paper recycling rate remained stable at 76.4% in 2025

Europe’s paper recycling rate remained stable at 76.4% in 2025, according to data from the European Paper Recycling Council (EPRC) presented by Cepi. The figures cover paper products including graphic paper, packaging and tissue and confirm the maturity and resilience of the European paper recycling system.

In 2025, the total amount of paper and board collected and recycled in the paper sector decreased by 0.3% to 53.9 million tonnes. Paper and board consumption declined by 0.4% to 70.5 million tonnes. With the two volumes moving at a similar pace, the recycling rate remained unchanged.

Europe continued to record the highest paper recycling rates worldwide. Most of the European countries surveyed maintained rates above 70%. Paper packaging achieved an EU average recycling rate of 86.6%, retaining its leading performance among packaging materials.

European paper recycling rate holds at 76.4% in 2025

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