On World Recycling Day 2025, the Italian Paper and Graphics Federation highlights the strategic role of the circular economy in the paper, printing, and processing supply chain for the decarbonization and competitiveness of the country. This was discussed at the Press Room of the Italian Chamber of Deputies during the presentation of the ‘Proposal for the establishment of the National Paper Recycling Day’ by Massimo Medugno, General Director of Assocarta, representing the Italian Paper and Graphics Federation.
“In 2024, the Italian paper packaging recycling rate is on the European podium with 92%. Significant savings have been achieved in terms of CO2 emissions. Also, the average recycling rate extended to all materials in Italy is 71.9% compared to an EU average of 65.4%,” says Medugno. Italy’s historical commitment to recycling paper and cardboard is also demonstrated by its second place in Europe (after Germany) for the use of recycled paper, with approximately 11% of the total volumes.
The figures on paper and cardboard recycling were also presented as part of the second report on the circular economy by Confindustria, in Brussels, by Confindustria Vice President Lara Ponti at the event “Loop Forward. Building a Circular Economy for a Sustainable and Competitive Europe” with a focus on strategies to enhance the secondary raw materials market, simplify regulations, and promote circularity.
According to the Confindustria Study Center, the added value of the circular economy represents 2.7% of the total in Italy, higher than the EU average (2.3%) and greater than other major European countries. The competitive and employment-related aspects are also significant, with over 613,000 employees in the sector.
“Placing circularity and decarbonization at the center of our economic policy is the only way to keep pace with resource-rich international competitors, in view of the anticipated ‘Circular Economy Act’ announced by the European Commission,” adds Medugno. “Our companies, although squeezed between energy costs and regulatory burdens, remain strongly committed to enhancing the circular economy, which represents a strategic lever for the decarbonization of the sector. While awaiting the European Commission, as announced by the Clean Industrial Deal, to work on simplification, developing the potential of the single market, and promoting strategic integration among individual Member States, in the spirit of the Draghi report,” concludes Medugno, “In the future, a Paper Industrial Deal must be developed to present to the institutions.”
TAPPI
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