New Data Confirms the Continuing Decline of the European Plastics Industry

Figures released by Plastics the Fast Facts 2025 show Europe’s plastics industry is under increased pressure as it struggles with a declining market share, reduction in turnover and momentum in its shift to circular production.

Although production briefly stabilised in 2024 with a modest rise of 0.4%, Europe’s global market share has continued to fall, dropping from 22% in 2006 to just 12% in 2024. Turnover has also declined sharply, from €457 billion in 2022 to €398 billion in 2024 (-13%).

Europe’s position contrasts sharply with the industrial boom happening in other parts of the world, where global plastics production has increased by 16.3% since 2018, growing by 4.1% in the past year alone. Asia now produces 57.2% of the world’s plastics, with China accounting for 34.5% of the total.

European industry leaders warn that high energy costs, taxes, and feedstock prices are damaging competitiveness and driving plant closures. They are calling for urgent EU action to cut energy costs, support investment in circular plastics, and strengthen trade protections. Plastics Europe says the continent risks losing its industrial base unless the EU moves fast with policies that boost local production, recycled content targets, and a fair-trade system.

Access the full summary and report here: https://plasticseurope.org/media/european-plastics-industry-at-cliff-edge-as-competitiveness-collapses/