The European paper recycling rate reached a near theoretical maximum of 71.5% in 2015. The industry now plans to further raise its target with a goal of 74% by 2020, building on the progress achieved since 2000 by preceding European Declarations on Paper Recycling.

"Having already achieved an effective recycling rate of 71.5%, the European paper recycling value chain is willing to go a step further with a new 74% target. This elevated rate will play an integral role in boosting the circularity of Europe’s economy" said Ulrich Leberle, secretary to the EPRC/Raw Materials director at CEPI, Brussels, Belgium.

Additional steps will be taken to enhance the quality of paper recycling with greater emphasis on recyclability in design and manufacturing of paper products, and improving techniques for removing ink from paper products. To achieve this rate, a number of key conditions must be in place:

• On waste targets, there should be a landfill ban on recycled paper in place by 2020 and the Waste Hierarchy should be implemented with energy and renewable energy policies taken into full consideration.
• The EU should ensure that conditions are in place to allow for effective separate collection of paper and take action against countries where comingled collection is practiced.
• •Exports of paper for recycling outside of the EU should be curtailed and aligned in a manner that an increase in the collection of paper is higher than an increase in the net trade of paper for recycling.
• European and national authorities should avoid conflicting product-related policies that prevent paper being from being recycled.
• The current practice in which Member-States calculate their recycling rates based on different methods should cease in favour of an aligned EU-wide method, allowing for comparable and real calculation.

With these conditions in place, the entire value chain can achieve the revised target and move it a step further, making recycling work for an effective European circular economy.