Data issued by the Association of European Producers of Steel for Packaging (APEAL) has shown that the rate of growth in the recycling of steel packaging in Europe reached 77.5% in 2015.
Representing the highest ever growth rate up until 2015, the data has confirmed steel as Europe's most recycled packaging material for the eleventh consecutive year.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
According to APEAL figures, recycling rate of steel packaging has increased by 1.5% since 2014.
The recycling has resulted in over 2.7 million tonnes of steel that can be reused for making new steel products. It also helps in achieving a circular economy.
APEAL secretary general Alexis Van Maercke said: “This is another major achievement and sees the recycling rate of steel for packaging pull still further away from that of other packaging materials.
“APEAL has long advocated ambitious yet achievable recycling rates for all materials in the circular economy package, on the understanding that we continue to measure the ‘real recycling’ rate.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalData“We are closer than ever before to achieving a truly circular economy which reduces waste, saves resources and closes the material loop.”
The association also noted that the unique strength, formability and durability of steel offer a wide range of benefits for the packaging of several products.
Steel also provides natural preservation, high-performance protection, and enhanced food safety.
Besides, the metal’s portion-size versatility, long shelf-life, and ambient storage qualities reduce food waste and energy consumption.
Image: Infographicon Europe’s steel packaging recycling sector’s growth. Photo: courtesy of APEAL.
