Exploring the EU plastic value chain: A material flow analysis

The accounting of plastic flows across the economy is pivotal to assess circularity of production and consumption and to define transitions scenarios at systems level. This study established a top-down mass flow analysis model for the EU27 (2019) plastic value chain, focusing on 9 sectors and 10 polymers. Estimates indicate that 4.46Mt of plastic recyclates are produced and consumed in the EU27 territory. On average, the EU27 recycling rate was equal to 19%. Total plastic losses amounted to 4% of the total plastic production, mostly occurring during the use phase. Future 2025 scenarios were prepared considering expected trends in the plastic value chain and compared with industry targets. In the cases of combined scenarios, the total recyclates consumed by plastic converters in 2025 ranged between 9.11Mt and 11.13Mt. Considering the key commitments for actions at the EU level, an evidence-based transformation of the plastic value chain is essential.