ECONOMY AND MARKET
In 2025, mechanical recycling volumes exceeded 850,000 tonnes(+ 2 %), but revenue fell to 685 million euros. Squeezed between low-cost virgin polymer competition from Asia and out-of-control energy costs, the pioneers of the ecological transition are demanding clear rules.
THE RECYCLING PARADOX: HIGHER VOLUMES, LOWER REVENUE
Italian technology plast / October 2026
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A silent short circuit is taking place within Italy‘ s mechanical recycling plants— an industrial middle ground where ecology stops being a slogan and becomes an assembly line. The latest Assorimap Report( compiled by Plastic Consult) captures a schizophrenic reality: on one side, the recovery machine is running fast; on the other, financial statements are gasping for air.
THE DATA The overall data for 2025 speaks clearly: the national output of post-consumer recycled plastics kept pace, reaching 850,000 tonnes( a solid + 2 % compared to 2024). But if you look at the altar of revenues, the party ends. The sector‘ s total revenue fell to approximately 685 million euros(-1.1 %). It is a perfect macroeconomic paradox: we produce more, we earn less. Furthermore, if we expand the scope to include grinders and integrated processors, Italy confirms its position as a European giant, capable of recirculating between 1.3 and 1.4 million tonnes of secondary raw materials. Yet, this giant has feet of clay.
COMPETITIVE ASYMMETRY AND THE „ VIRGIN“ TRAP What dampened the enthusiasm, particularly in the second half of 2025, was a deadly combination of factors. Prices for virgin polymers( plastic produced brand new from oil) collapsed, dragged down by global overproduction and aggressive non-EU imports. For a company that processes packaging, choosing virgin plastic today often costs less than using regenerated plastic. Added to this is the uniquely Italian deadweight of industrial costs: our businesses pay 40 % more for electricity compared to pre-crisis 2021 levels, a structural blow compared to European competitors. www. plastmagazine. it