EU circular material use rate stagnates since 2016

Eurostat reports that the EU circular material use rate rose from 9.1% in 2008 to 11.8% in 2023 but has largely stagnated since 2016; the EU has set a target to double the materials used from collected waste compared with 2020 levels to 22.4% by 2030.

• Main announcement: Eurostat data shows EU circular material use rate increased from 9.1% (2008) to 11.8% (2023); data indicates stagnation since 2016. The EU target is to reach 22.4% by 2030 (defined as doubling materials used from collected waste compared with 2020 levels).
• Country and data details & resources: Highest national rates: Netherlands 30.6%, Italy 20.8%, Malta 19.8%; Lowest: Romania 1.3%, Ireland 2.3%, Finland 2.4%. Source dataset: sdg_12_41. Related resources include Eurostat publications, SDG visualisation tools and a recording of the webinar on the EU’s progress towards the SDGs (recording listed under 2025):
  • Date: 2025 (recording page)
  • Time: null
  • Location: null
  • Agenda/subject: “EU’s progress towards the SDGs”