Paper Recycling rate in Europe was 71.7% in 2013: ERPC

CANTERBURY (Scrap Monster): According to latest data released by the European Recovered Paper Council (ERPC), the paper recycling rate in Europe remained stable during 2013. The recycling rate edged higher marginally during the year to 71.7% from the rate of 71% recorded in 2012. The Council notes that the consumption patterns of paper have undergone significant changes in the region during 2013.

According to ERPC, the paper recycling rate in the region has started signs of stagnation at higher levels. Maintaining higher levels of recycling would become more challenging in the forthcoming years with rapid changes in paper consumption patterns. The paper consumption in Europe has decreased in 2013. It is commendable that the total quantity of paper collected and recycled in Europe were able to stay above 57 million tonnes in 2013 despite huge fall in paper usage.

The newspaper consumption in the European region has declined sharply. This will affect the overall recycling levels, as newspaper is one of the most recycled products in the category along with corrugated boxes.

The Council notes that tissue and sanitary paper consumption has shown significant improvement over the year. However, this will fail to add to paper recycling rates as they are not acceptable for recycling. Nearly one-fifth of the aggregate paper consumption is either non-recyclable or non-collectible.

According to ERPC, paper recycling in Europe has fared consistently despite the challenging circumstances.