A recent study by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) indicates that plastic is the only packaging material to experience consistent expansion across the European market, even as overall packaging volumes remain stable. Released on July 8, 2026, the research analyzed data from 19 EU Member States—covering more than 97% of the region’s population—from 2011 through 2025. While the study monitored a variety of materials, including glass, metals, paper, cardboard, and composites, plastic stood out for its unique upward trend. By 2025, Europeans were using an average of 98 kilograms of total packaging per person, with food and beverage products responsible for approximately 97% of that amount. This sustained plastic packaging growth was evidenced by an 11% increase in absolute terms over the 14-year study period.
Trends in Polymer Use and Absolute Growth
In 2025, approximately 5.9 million tonnes of plastic packaging will be introduced to the markets included in the analysis, which equates to roughly 14 kilograms for every individual. Beverage containers remain a primary factor in this trend, with polyethene terephthalate (PET) being the most common polymer used for water and soft drink bottles throughout Europe. However, regional variations exist; in nations such as Sweden, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Finland, polypropylene (PP) accounts for a larger market share than PET due to its use in a wider array of food and drink containers. These figures highlight the specialized nature of material demand across different consumer sectors within the bloc.
Regional Variations and the Impact of Glass
The intensity of plastic consumption varies significantly between individual Member States. While countries such as France, Belgium, and the Netherlands have maintained relatively steady levels for a decade, nations including Poland, Romania, and Ireland reported substantial increases. National consumer habits play a major role in these differences; for example, bottled water in plastic containers accounts for 46% of total plastic packaging use in Italy, whereas in Sweden, that figure drops to only 6%. Despite the focus on the plastic packaging growth, glass continues to be the heaviest material by weight, making up three-quarters of the average 98 kilograms per person. Beer bottles represent the largest single category in this segment, contributing about 16.5 million tonnes to the total packaging mass.
Supporting New Reporting and Policy Frameworks
The updated JRC modeling methodology is intended to assist Member States in refining their mandatory packaging waste reports and supporting the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. By providing a standardized measuring system, the framework helps align data from across the European market. The latest version of this methodology has also been expanded to include pet food, personal care items, and home care products, offering a more comprehensive overview of packaging habits and material flow in the European Union.
