Most European consumers are separating packaging components for recycling, with rates ranging from 67 per cent in France to 97 per cent in Germany, according to a study across four countries.
The research, conducted by Dublin-based Smurfit Westrock – known for its Bag-in-Box packaging system – examined whether consumers separated the inner plastics bag from the cardboard outer box after use.
Germany recorded the highest separation rate at 97 per cent, followed by Belgium at 94 per cent and Sweden at 87 per cent. France recorded the lowest rate at 67 per cent.
Individual components
In Germany, researchers working with RecycleMe examined 133 used Bag-in-Box packages. Of these, 129 had already been separated into their individual components.
The Belgian research examined Bag-in-Box packaging within 10 tonnes of cardboard waste at a collection centre in Antwerp. 94 per cent of the packaging had been correctly separated, with the inner bag removed from the cardboard box.
The French figure came from a 2024 investigation by Citeo at three sorting plants. It found that 67 per cent of the Bag-in-Box packaging examined had been correctly separated.
The study also considered differences in waste collection systems between countries. These included separate collection schemes, where consumers separate waste streams according to local requirements, and mixed collection schemes.
Awareness and education
Under mixed collection systems, consumers place plastics, metal and carton packaging in the same recycling bin. Separation of individual components is, therefore, more reliant on consumer awareness and education.
Smurfit Westrock said differences in waste collection systems, recycling policies, consumer education and local sorting guidance are likely to influence how effectively packaging components are separated and recovered.
The results show considerable variation between the four countries, despite separation rates exceeding 80 per cent in Germany, Belgium and Sweden.
The video below explores the study’s findings, including differences between countries and how recycling policies, consumer education and packaging innovation could help improve separation rates further.
