Collection And Recycling Rates Continue To Improve Across Europe

17 October 2026, EU: When CropLife Europe launched its 2030 Commitments in 2020, it pledged to accelerate the collection and recycling of empty pesticide and biopesticide containers across Europe. At the time, dedicated collection schemes operated in 19 Member States and achieved a collection rate of 65% for rigid plastic containers, the main format used by the industry.

Five years later, that commitment is translating into measurable progress. Collection schemes now operate in 24 EU Member States, with two additional programmes currently under development, creating a near EU-wide network for the responsible management of empty crop protection containers. Collection rates for plastic packaging have increased to 71%, bringing the sector closer to its target of collecting 75% of eligible containers.

The figures reflect the steady expansion of collection systems across Europe and growing participation from farmers, collection organisations and other stakeholders working together to improve the management of agricultural packaging after use.

Building a European Network for Container Collection

The collection of empty containers plays an important role in ensuring agricultural packaging is managed safely and responsibly.

Over the past five years, continued investment in collection infrastructure and awareness programmes has helped strengthen and expand collection schemes across Europe. As a result, more farmers now have access to practical systems that make it easier to return empty containers through dedicated collection programmes.

What began as a collection of national initiatives is increasingly becoming a connected European network, providing a consistent approach to container collection and stewardship across a growing number of countries.

From Collection to Recycling

Collecting containers is only one part of the process. Ensuring that collected materials are recycled is what turns responsible waste management into a circular solution.

In 2025, more than 92% of plastics collected through these programmes were sent for safe and controlled recycling. This means that most materials recovered through collection schemes are re-entering the economy as a resource rather than disposed of as waste.

The volume of material recycled has also grown significantly. In 2020, approximately 16,200 tonnes of plastic were sent for recycling through the schemes. By 2025, that figure had increased to more than 21,750 tonnes, representing growth of 34% in just five years.

These results show that progress is not only being measured through higher collection rates, but also through the increasing quantity of material successfully returned to productive use.

Demonstrating Responsibility Beyond the Point of Use

The growth of collection and recycling schemes reflects a broader commitment to stewardship throughout the lifecycle of crop protection products.

For the sector, responsibility does not end when a product is used. It also means supporting systems that help ensure packaging is collected, managed and recycled responsibly after use.

The continued expansion of collection schemes, rising collection rates and strong recycling performance demonstrate what can be achieved through long-term collaboration between industry, farmers, collection organisations and national stakeholders. Together, these efforts are helping strengthen circularity in European agriculture and ensuring that valuable materials remain in use for longer.

As the network expands and participation grows, the sector remains focused on increasing collection rates and maintaining strong recycling performance to support more circular agricultural packaging across Europe. The next priority is to improve material recycling and prepare the CMS network for the PPWR’s high-quality recycling requirements. This includes enabling post-consumer recycled material from collection schemes to be used in new containers through closed-loop recycling, rather than in products such as pipes and electrical conduits.

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