Recently, more packaging waste was consumed per capita in Germany than in almost any other EU country. Around 237 kilograms of plastic, paper or glass packaging were produced in this country.
In Germany, significantly more packaging waste was consumed per capita in 2021 than the European average. Around 237 kilograms of plastic, paper or glass packaging were produced per capita in this country, as the Federal Statistical Office explained today.
Per capita in the EU, only Ireland produced more packaging waste than Germany, at 246 kilograms. The EU average in 2021 was just under 189 kilograms. According to the statisticians, not only waste from private households is recorded, but also the total packaging waste generated in a country.
EU wants to take action against mountains of garbage
If the absolute amount of waste is considered, Germany is in first place: a total of 19.7 million tons were generated in 2021, according to the Federal Statistical Office. The second largest amount of packaging waste overall occurred in Italy at around 13.6 million, followed by France with around 13.4 million tonnes.
The amount of packaging waste in the EU has been increasing for years. Compared to 2005, almost 20 percent more waste was consumed per capita in the EU last year, and in Germany the per capita amount even rose by 26 percent.
The EU wants to take action against this growing mountain of waste and has agreed on a law to reduce packaging waste: At the end of November, the European Parliament voted for a law that, among other things, requires 20 percent less plastic packaging by 2040 than in 2018. By 2030, all of them should be used Packaging must be recyclable.
