FEPE’s role in European Paper Recycling Council
FEPE’s continued involvement in the European Paper Recycling Council (EPRC) is a key pillar of the association’s sustainability and circular economy engagement. Through its membership, FEPE contributes to an industry-led framework that monitors progress, removes barriers to recycling, and supports the long-term resilience of the European paper recycling value chain under the European Declaration on Paper Recycling 2021–2030.
Supporting Europe’s Paper Recycling system
FEPE actively contributes to the work of the European Paper Recycling Council (EPRC), whose activities are structured around both quantitative and qualitative commitments under the European Declaration on Paper Recycling 2021–2030. This framework supports monitoring, continuous improvement and coordination across the European paper recycling value chain.
As outlined in the EPRC Monitoring Report 2024, the European paper recycling rate reached 75.1% in 2024, remaining close to the voluntary target of 76% by 2030. While this represents a decrease compared to the exceptionally high rate recorded in 2023, the report explains that this evolution is primarily driven by market dynamics, in particular a strong rebound in paper and board consumption following an unusually low consumption year.
Importantly, the three-year rolling average recycling rate stands at 75.2%, confirming that the sector remains firmly on track to meet its 2030 commitment and that year-on-year variation does not reflect a decline in recycling performance.
Key insights from the EPRC Monitoring Report 2024
Europe as a global benchmark for paper recycling
Europe continues to be the global benchmark for paper recycling. According to the Monitoring Report, European fibres completed on average four recycling cycles in 2024, significantly above the global average.
Paper and cardboard packaging also remained the most recycled packaging material in the EU, both in relative and absolute terms, underlining the strategic importance of a well-functioning paper recycling chain for meeting EU packaging waste objectives.
Qualitative progress across the value chain
Beyond headline figures, the EPRC Monitoring Report 2024 highlights qualitative progress across the value chain. During the year, EPRC members focused on improving collection quality, advancing ecodesign, supporting research and development, and strengthening education and information sharing.
Work on harmonised sorting and labelling under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation contributed to clearer consumer guidance and higher-quality recycling streams. At the same time, ongoing development of Design for Recycling frameworks helped ensure that paper-based products remain compatible with existing and future recycling processes.
Keeping paper recycling largely “made in Europe”
The report also underlines the importance of keeping paper recycling largely “made in Europe”. In 2024, domestic recycling rates remained strong, while exports of paper for recycling outside Europe declined further.
This trend reinforces value creation, employment and industrial capacity within Europe and supports broader EU objectives related to resource efficiency, strategic autonomy and resilient value chains.
Value for FEPE and its members
FEPE’s engagement in the EPRC ensures that the voice of the envelope and light packaging sector is fully integrated into these discussions. Through access to verified data, shared expertise and coordinated industry positions documented in the EPRC Monitoring Report 2024, FEPE members benefit from a strong evidence base when engaging with policymakers and stakeholders.
The robust governance and independent data verification underpinning the EPRC’s work further strengthen the credibility of the industry’s sustainability performance.
Overall, cooperation with the European Paper Recycling Council continues to deliver clear added value for FEPE and its members. It reinforces the sector’s contribution to a high-performing circular economy, supports alignment with evolving EU legislation, and demonstrates that voluntary, industry-led initiatives can successfully deliver measurable and credible environmental results.