The entity responsible for managing and promoting the selection, collection, and recycling of packaging in Portugal reported that between January and June, an additional 4,009 tons of packaging were sent for recycling compared to the first half of 2024, amounting to a total of 231,000 tons collected and sent for recycling.
In a statement, SPV warned that “the growth rate remains insufficient for Portugal to meet its packaging recycling targets by the end of this year.”
The organization stated that by the end of 2025, the country must ensure the selective collection of 65% of all packaging placed on the market.
Glass, a 100% recyclable and reusable material, showed a negative trend with 1,300 fewer tons recycled (-1%) in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, which recorded a total of 99,321 tons of glass recycled.
The first half of this year also saw a decline in the collection and recycling of liquid food packaging cartons (such as milk) by 405 tons (-9%) compared to the same period last year, which amounted to 4,044 tons.
As for other materials, data from the Integrated Packaging Waste Management System (SIGRE) cited by SPV revealed that 78,486 tons of paper/cardboard (+4%), 42,844 tons of plastic (+3%), and 1,030 tons of aluminum (+1%) were sent for recycling.
According to Sociedade Ponto Verde, “the priority should 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 the targets.”
