Aluminium can recycling rate reaches 75% in 2018

This represents a 3% increase in the can recycling rate compared to 2017, the figures suggest (see letsrecycle.com story).

Overall the recycling rate for aluminium packaging, which also includes foil trays, aerosols, bottle screw caps and wrapping foil stands at 52%, Alupro reported, an increase of 1% from the previous year.

Figures published by the Environment Agency earlier in the year suggest that the overall tonnage of aluminium collected for recycling topped 99,000 tonnes (see letsrecycle.com story).

Alupro manages several programmes funded by metal packaging manufacturers, reprocessors and brands, to encourage consumers to recycle more.

Campaigns

This includes MetalMatters, which focuses on improving metal capture rates in local authority recycling schemes; and Every Can Counts, aimed at supporting organisations wanting to enable people to recycle the beverage cans used outside the home.

“We know that British consumers want to do their part, so we’re delighted that more cans are being recycled than ever before. Within 60 days the can you recycle could be back on the shelves as another can.”

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Rick Hindley
Alupro

Commenting on the 2018 figures, Rick Hindley, executive director of Alupro commented: “Aluminium is the perfect example of the circular economy because it can be recycled forever. We know that British consumers want to do their part, so we’re delighted that more cans are being recycled than ever before. Within 60 days the can you recycle could be back on the shelves as another can.”

Despite the improved picture for aluminium packaging recycling in 2018, there is current concern in the market due to a shortage of packaging recovery notes (PRNs) needed for producers of aluminium packaging to meet their recycling targets for 2019.

In the UK, packaging recycling is funded through a market-based system where obligated businesses, mainly via compliance schemes, have to purchase PRN evidence. If they fail to acquire sufficient PRNs, they can be prosecuted by the Environment or agree a civil sanction.