Steel for Packaging Europe, formerly known as Apeal, an association promoting steel as a sustainable solution for packaging, has confirmed a new record in recycling rates.
Indeed, the published figures confirm that 80.5% of steel packaging put on the market in 2022 was actually recycled. This follows the announcement in December 2023 that steel packaging will meet the EU's 2025 recycling target, four years ahead of schedule.
This result confirms a 2% increase compared to the 2021 recycling rate and that steel remains the most recycled material in Europe, a testament to its properties and the efforts of stakeholders across the supply chain working together to achieve a fully closed loop.
Steve Claus, Secretary General of Steel for Packaging Europe, said:
The steadily increasing recycling rates for steel packaging reflect the commitment of the industry. I am proud that the newly published figures represent the amount of packaging that is actually recycled. This harmonised method for calculating packaging recycling rates creates a level playing field for all packaging materials in Europe. I am particularly pleased that the new PPWR provides for the definition of design criteria for recycling applicable to all packaging and the introduction of a performance classification system with clear and precise criteria.
