Further growth for aluminium foil recycling in Europe

Europe – Recycling rates in Europe for aluminium foil trays and semi-rigid containers climbed to around 55% in 2013, according to new data from the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA).

The previous reporting period in 2010 had seen the figure exceed 50% for the first time ‘following concerted efforts by the industry to promote the benefits of resource efficient and sustainable packaging options’, it adds. The recycling rates are calculated on the basis of publicly-available national aluminium recycling and consumption data.

Estimated recycling rates for aluminium foil containers have been found to ‘vary significantly’ from country to country, including: over 85% in Germany; 65%-plus and 40%-plus in, respectively, Italy and the UK; and around 35% in France and Spain.

Aluminium foil trays and semi-rigid containers are used in such markets as: ready meals; ready-to-cook meat, poultry and fish; bakery products; pet foods; and takeaway foods. ‘But they are increasingly used in foodservice and event catering,’ the EAFA points out.