23 october 2013, brussels &ndash the overall recycling rate in the eu27 increased slightly to 63,6 in 2011, from 63,3 in 2010, according to new data published by eurostat. with an average recycling rate of 50,6 in the member states that joined the eu in 2004 and 2007, tailored efforts are still needed to help some of them meet current eu targets. &ldquothe eurostat data is encouraging and clearly demonstrates the packaging supply chain&rsquos achievements as, overall, the eu packaging recycling and recovery targets are being met or exceeded. however, it also underlines the need for full implementation and enforcement of eu waste legislation in all member states to help close the existing gaps between member states,&rdquo stated virginia janssens, managing director of europen. she added, &ldquothe data shows once again that packaging waste management is increasingly resource efficient there was a 1.9 increase in packaging placed on the market in 2011 compared to 2010 but a 2.7 decline in packaging waste sent for final disposal over the same period.&rdquo  the differences across member states in definitions used at national level for recycling and recovery, calculation methodologies, implementation and enforcement of eu legislation, waste management infrastructure and consumption rates of packaged goods are a real obstacle to all member states meeting the same existing and future targets. the starting points of member states&rsquo recycling and recovery rates varies widely, making a single target and timetable for all member states difficult to achieve. this challenge was a key theme for discussion at europen&rsquos 20th anniversary event held on 9 october. on that occasion, louis lindenberg, global packaging sustainability director, unilever commented, &ldquoeuropen members believe that realistic recycling and recovery targets should take into account different member state specificities and be combined with a requirement for the separate collection of postconsumer packaging in the eu packaging and packaging waste directive ppwd. the increased collection of postconsumer packaging1 across europe is an important step towards europe&rsquos transition to a resource efficient economy. it is also imperative to harmonise national rules for calculating and reporting recycling and recovery rates.&rdquo &ldquonew eu targets should reflect the impact of potential harmonisation of calculation methodologies and definitions on the existing recycling and recovery rates,&rdquo stated ms janssens. she added, &ldquothe focus should also be on improving extended producer responsibility schemes epr at national level. europen calls for legal provisions in the ppwd that ensure a level playing field for the operation of competing epr schemes, such as a harmonised definition of epr, minimum requirements for epr schemes to ensure transparency and efficiency and clear roles and responsibilities for member states and economic operators.&rdquo  europen&rsquos indepth analysis of the 2011 packaging and packaging waste statistics will be available soon.  
