Packaging collection increases by just 2% and compromises target

The selective collection of packaging for recycling increased in Portugal by just 2% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, compromising the country's targets for the current year, Sociedade Ponto Verde (SPV) announced this Wednesday.

According to the entity that manages and promotes the selection, collection and recycling of packaging in Portugal, between January and June, 4,009 more tons of packaging were sent for recycling compared to the first half of 2024, which totaled 231 thousand tons of packaging collected and sent for recycling.

In a statement, SPV warns that "the growth rate remains insufficient for Portugal to meet its packaging recycling targets by the end of this year." According to the organization, the country must ensure selective collection of 65% of all packaging placed on the market by the end of 2025.

Glass, a 100% recyclable and reusable material, stood out negatively , with 1,300 fewer tonnes recycled (-1%) in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, which recorded a total of 99,321 tonnes of glass recycled.

In the first half of this year , fewer cardboard packaging for liquid foods (such as milk) were also collected and sent for recycling : 405 tonnes less (-9%) compared to the same period last year, which totaled 4,044 tonnes.

As for the remaining materials, data from the Integrated Packaging Waste Management System (SIGRE) cited by SPV reveal that 78,486 tonnes of paper/cardboard (+4%), 42,844 tonnes of plastic (+3%) and 1,030 tonnes of aluminium (+1%) were sent for recycling.

According to Sociedade Ponto Verde, "the priority must be a substantial improvement in the level of service provided to citizens by municipal and multi-municipal systems, with SIGRE currently having more financial resources to make investments that generate results and help achieve goals."