Packaging from the selective collection sent for recycling increased by only 1% in the first half of 2026, totaling 233,065 tonnes, the equivalent of a further 2,071 tonnes compared to the same period last year. Despite the positive evolution, the Sociedade Ponto Verde (SPV) considers that growth remains far below what is necessary for Portugal to meet Europe’s packaging recycling targets.
Among the various materials, glass continues to be a cause for concern, registering an increase of only 1% in selective collection.
“Half of the year has already passed and the numbers show that, if we continue on this path, we will face yet another year in which we will not be able to meet packaging recycling targets. The system continues to respond below its potential and what is missing at this moment is action on the ground. It is imperative to translate the investment already made into better results in selective collection and sorting so that we can increase packaging recycling,” says Ana Trigo Morais, CEO of the Sociedade Ponto Verde.
Portugal currently has the obligation to recycle 65% of the packaging placed on the market. However, in 2025, the country recorded a packaging waste recovery rate of 60.5%, falling short of the European target and entering a state of non-compliance.
According to SPV, the main challenge remains the efficiency of selective collection and sorting systems. The organization considers that citizens’ effort in separating waste must be accompanied by improvements in the service provided.
“Citizens have been called on to participate and to correctly separate their packaging. But they also expect to find a service with greater quality and convenience, with more accessible eco-points, available, clean and collected regularly. The truth is that the system is being funded, but that investment continues not to translate into an improved service that is urgent and necessary,” adds Ana Trigo Morais.
More investment, but results still limited
Investment in the Integrated System for the Management of Packaging Waste (SIGRE) has been increasing in recent years. In 2026, the funding secured by SPV and the other managing entities is expected to reach €237 million, €25 million more than in 2025.
Last year, the system benefited from a historic boost of €90 million, raising total funding to €212 million.
According to SPV, this increase in financial resources was aimed at strengthening the investment capacity of municipal, multi-municipal and concessionaire systems responsible for selective collection, with the aim of accelerating operational improvements and encouraging greater citizen participation.
Paper and aluminum in the spotlight, glass continues to lag behind targets
Among the different materials, paper and cardboard registered a growth of 5%, while aluminum rose 7%.
Glass again showed only very limited progress, risking the achievement of the material’s specific recycling targets.
Cardboard packaging for liquids (ECAL), despite signs of recovery, remains 1% below the levels recorded in the same period last year.
In plastics, results vary depending on the type. The overall decrease observed stems mainly from the drop in the so-called “other plastic packaging,” a category that includes products such as potato chip bags, yogurt cups, or packaging for nuts.
Conversely, some categories showed positive performances. Plastic film, which includes bags and packaging film bundles, grew by 8%. HDPE packaging, such as detergent and shampoo bottles, increased by 3%, while PET packaging, used in beverage bottles, registered a growth of 6%.
Technology and innovation identified as priorities
For SPV, the priority now is to ensure that the available investment translates into greater modernization and efficiency of the system.
The organization advocates a reinforced commitment to technology, including smart recycling points with sensors, more efficient door-to-door collection systems and pay-as-you-throw models, in which users pay according to the amount of undifferentiated waste produced.
According to SPV, these solutions could increase the efficiency of selective collection, improve sorting quality and contribute to a significant increase in the amounts of packaging sent to recycling.
The organization also notes that, over its 30 years of activity, it has invested about €19.4 million in innovation and research and development projects related to waste management and packaging recycling.
