Recycling rate of rigid metal packaging in Europe continues to rise, reaching 73,6% in 2012
25 March 2015
25 March 2015
Recycling rate of rigid metal packaging in Europe continues to rise, reaching 73,6% in 2012
Metal Packaging Europe reports that in 2012 over 3 million tons of steel packaging and aluminium beverage cans were recycled, bringing the recycling rate of rigid metal packaging to a new record of 73,6%.
The extra recycled tonnage in 2012 equals an increase of 0,82% (or 6 percentage points) over 2011. In 2012 aluminum beverage cans were recycled at a rate of 69,5%. Steel packaging was recycled at a rate of 74,1%.
The original data provided by APEAL (the Association of European Producers of Steel for Packaging) and the Packaging Group of EAA (European Aluminium Association) has, for the 3rd year running, been reviewed by the independent consultancy Eunomia. This makes the metal packaging industry still the only packaging industry which ensures a third party verification of its recycling figures.
The increase reflects a long-term trend whereby the metal packaging sector constantly improves its recycling rates, over and above the minimum European and national metal recycling rates, and in line with the industry's voluntary objective of 80% recycling of metal packaging in Europe by 2020.
Metals are a permanent material meaning that they can be recycled over and over again without loss of quality. Such multiple recycling ensures that secondary raw materials are reintroduced to reinforce the circular economy, and do not end up in incineration or landfill.
"Metals recycle forever, the perfect example of materials for a circular economy", said Joris Nachtergaele, Secretary General of Metal Packaging Europe. "We are confident that our sector will reach 80% recycling by 2020. But there is still a lot of work to do in several European countries, regarding both the quantity and the quality of the recycled materials."
For more information:
Joris Nachtergaele Secretary General
Joris.nachtergaele@otpa.be +32 477 93 14 56 or +32 2 40 16 872
www.metalpackagingeurope.org Metal Packaging Europe aisbl - Square de Meeus 40 - 1150 Brussels - BELGIUM
