The European printing industry has a long tradition of using recycled and renewable materials and supporting recycling strategies as an important part of the sector’s activities.

• The printing industry relies heavily on recycled and renewable materials, making it one of Europe’s most circular manufacturing sectors. Graphic paper has a recyclability rate of 75.1% for all consumed paper and board (EPRC, 2024), while paper and board packaging reach an even higher rate of 87% (Eurostat, 2023). Paper and board are the most recycled packaging materials in Europe, surpassing alternatives such as plastic, metals, and glass (EPRC, 2022). Europe also holds the highest paper recycling rate in the world, reflecting decades of investment in sustainable fibre cycles and collection systems.
• Paper fibres can be recycled up to 25 times (Eckhart, 2021). This exceptional renewability makes print and paper essential contributors to Europe’s circular economy, reducing waste, lowering environmental impact, and supporting sustainable material use across all sectors that rely on printed products.