Over five million steel cans recycled in 2003

Archiv – The International Iron and Steel Institute’s (IISI) Committee on Packaging (PACKCO) has calculated that an estimated 5.2 million tonnes of steel cans were recycled worldwide in 2003. This represents a weighted recycling rate for steel packaging of 62.7%; the recycling rate for 2003 is two percentage points higher than in 2002, and 5.2 percentage points above that of 2001.The International Iron and Steel Institute’s (IISI) Committee on Packaging (PACKCO) has calculated that an estimated 5.2 million tonnes of steel cans were recycled worldwide in 2003. This represents a weighted recycling rate for steel packaging of 62.7%; the recycling rate for 2003 is two percentage points higher than in 2002, and 5.2 percentage points above that of 2001.
Packaging recycling has been a high priority for the steel industry and also the focus of attention for PACKCO. ’The industry recognised the short life-cycle for steel packaging decades ago,’ says PACKCO Chairman Roger Steens. ’The industry has developed the programmes and infrastructure necessary to ensure that steel packaging was moved from the waste stream to the recycling stream with ease due to steel’s magnetic characteristic.’
Recycling seven steel cans saves enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for 26 hours. ’Steel can be recycled without loss of properties time and time again,’ according to Mr Steens. ’This makes steel a very sustainable solution for packaging. Just imagine the potential savings if all materials could be recycled at a rate of 60% or greater.’