Steel for Packaging Europe has announced that a record 82% of all steel packaging placed on the European market in 2023 was actually recycled, the highest recycling rate ever recorded for the material in the region.
The figure, independently verified and based on the EU’s harmonised calculation method, reflects the proportion of steel packaging that entered real recycling processes for reuse in manufacturing, and not just collected. This represents a two-percentage-point increase over 2022 and reaffirms steel’s position as Europe’s most recycled packaging material.
Closing the loop
‘The continued rise in steel packaging recycling rates reflects our industry’s commitment to closing the material loop,’ says Steve Claus, secretary general of Steel for Packaging Europe. ‘All recycled steel packaging becomes new steel products without any loss in quality. It could become a train, a wind turbine, or even new steel packaging.’
Claus emphasised steel’s unique recyclability and its role in resource conservation, emissions reduction, and food security through long-shelf-life packaging that reduces food waste. Steel’s magnetic properties and local recycling infrastructure allow for easier separation and reuse.
Better collection
But he warned that further action was needed, particularly in harmonising separate collection systems and maintaining Europe’s global competitiveness in sustainable steel production. The EU’s impending Circular Economy Act is seen as a pivotal opportunity to cement steel’s role as a model material for sustainable development.
‘Steel packaging has long set the standard for a circular economy,’ Claus adds. ‘As Europe works toward a greener future, the proven success of steel recycling should be central to the policy conversation.’
Steel for Packaging Europe concluded its statement by calling on EU institutions to sustain high levels of ambition in environmental policy, underscoring the importance of materials like steel in achieving the bloc’s long-term climate and resource efficiency targets.
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