New figures confirm the rapid and continuing decline in the competitiveness of European plastics manufacturing.
Despite a modest stabilisation in production volumes in 2024 after a record contraction in 2023, Europe’s global market share has continued to erode, collapsing from 22% in 2006 to just 12% in 2024.
Europe’s decline contrasts starkly with the industrial boom taking place in other regions. Global plastics production increased 4.1% last year and by 16.3% since 2018.
2024 European key figures
Fast Facts 2025 Takeaways
Latest data from Plastics the Fast Facts 2025 confirms what many feared: Europe’s share in global plastics production has collapsed from 22% in 2006 to just 12% in 2024. That’s nearly a 50% decline in two decades.
After years of steady growth, the share of circular plastics in European production has stagnated since 2022, reaching just 15.4% in 2024. Europe is no longer leading; it’s lagging.
Circular plastics production in Europe is stagnating at around 8 million tonnes in 2024, representing just 15% of the EU’s total plastics production.
The plastics sector generated €398 billion in turnover in 2024, a 13% decrease from 2022, which reflects a deep structural crisis.
For the third consecutive year, Europe is no longer a net exporter of plastic materials and products. In 2024, the EU recorded a net import of -1.6 million tonnes, increasing its external dependency.
Data confirms what industry leaders have long known: having production sites in different parts of Europe is not just about efficiency. It’s about strategic autonomy.
About the report
Plastics the Fast Facts 2025 shows 2024 preliminary global and European plastics production data. It also provides
2024 European plastics industry’s key economic figures, trade balance and top trade partners.
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“Plastics are and will remain an essential material that underpins European industrial resilience, innovation and competitiveness. Keeping a sufficient level of local production avoids excessive dependence and strengthens Europe’s security. The European plastics industry is at a cliff edge as competitiveness collapses.”
Virginia Janssens, Plastics Europe Managing Director
