Global packaging flows: What the world can learn

Lessons from International packaging systems

• Germany – With its long-established Green Dot scheme, Germany has achieved some of the highest recovery and recycling rates in Europe. Mandatory producer funding and strong collection systems are key drivers.
• Scandinavia – Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) are widespread and well-supported, delivering high capture rates for beverage containers. These schemes show how policy can influence consumer behaviour and perception.
• Canada and South Korea – Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is expanding globally. In these countries, producers now cover most or all costs of packaging waste management, mirroring the direction of travel in the UK and Europe.

Global trends in packaging waste and recycling

Three clear global trends are shaping packaging policy and practice:

• Shift to producer responsibility – Increasingly, producers fund the full net cost of collection and recycling, ensuring costs reflect environmental impact.
• Investment in alternatives – Materials such as fibre composites are being adopted as substitutes for plastics, where Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) highlight important environmental trade-offs.
• Innovation in circularity – From reusable packaging pilots in France to chemical recycling investment in Japan, markets are testing new solutions to close material loops.

Why data matters

Data is central to all of these systems. Without robust evidence of materials placed on the market, collected, and recycled, policy cannot be targeted or effective.

PackFlow reports and Data Insights services demonstrate how robust, data-led modelling can:

• Support governments in designing effective producer responsibility frameworks

• Highlight compliance risks against future recycling targets
• Provide industry with visibility to plan and adapt

Looking ahead

The global picture is clear: material flows are under greater scrutiny than ever, and evidence is driving change. By comparing the UK with other countries, industry stakeholders gain not only perspective but also the tools to anticipate what comes next.

Through reports generated from PackFlow, robust data and analysis will continue to inform sustainable policy development and help businesses prepare for evolving Extended Producer Responsibility regulations.

Enquire now to discover how our data and expertise can support your business.