Steel packaging recycling passes 80%

Steel for Packaging Europe (SPE), formerly known as APEAL, has reported a record recycling rate for steel packaging in the EU of 80.5%.

A new harmonised method for calculating packaging recycling rates confirms that 80.5% of steel packaging placed on the market was recycled in 2022. It follows the announcement in December 2023 that steel packaging had met its EU recycling rate target for 2025, four years ahead of schedule.

The announcement represents a two-percentage-point increase on the 2021 recycling rate. Steve Claus, secretary general of SPE, says the improving rates reflect the industry’s commitment to transparency and demonstrate.

Harmonised

‘I am proud that the newly published figures correspond to the amount of packaging that is actually recycled at the entrance of recycling operations and not merely the packaging which is collected,’ he adds.

‘This harmonised method for calculating packaging recycling rates creates a level playing field for all packaging materials in Europe. Previously, EU member states used varying methods to determine recycling rates for different materials, leading to inflated rates and obscuring the recycling challenges associated with some packaging formats.’

The announcement follows the formal adoption of the Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) voted by the European Parliament (EP) which includes a range of stricter recyclability measures.

Design for recycling

Claus is pleased that the new PPWR includes the establishment of design for recycling criteria, applicable to all packaging, and the introduction of a performance grading system with clear criteria.

‘The three grades of defined recyclability percentages – A, B, C (95%/80%/70%) to comply with by 2030 and two – A, B (95%/80%) by 2038, will ultimately drive any material that is less than 80% recyclable from the market. Steel packaging, with all formats graded A or B, demonstrates a superior performance compared to other materials such as plastics and laminated cartons.’