A recent report from Metal Packaging Europe and European Aluminium highlights a record-breaking achievement in aluminium beverage can recycling across Europe. Despite a minor decline in the overall recycling rate of aluminium beverage cans due to increased consumption and unchanged recycling infrastructure, the total volume of recycled aluminium reached an unprecedented 580,000 tonnes. This marks a 1.7 % increase from the previous year.
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Impact of Increased Aluminium Consumption
The environmental benefits are notable, with greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 5.4 million tonnes of CO₂—equivalent to the emissions of a city with over half a million residents, such as Oslo.
The rise in volume of recycled aluminium is attributed to higher consumption of beverage cans in 2022. More cans entering the recycling process naturally, according to the report, led to an increase in the total amount of recovered aluminium. However, with collection and sorting infrastructure remaining largely unchanged, the overall recycling rate percentage saw a slight drop due to the higher rate of production and use.
The Role of Industry Initiatives
The industry remains committed to further improving recycling rates across Europe. Manufacturers of aluminium beverage cans, alongside their suppliers, recognize that to achieve a recycling rate of 90 % or more, national collection and sorting systems must be enhanced. In particular, expanding Deposit Return Systems (DRS) is seen as a key strategy for increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of recycling efforts.
Commitment to a Fully Circular Aluminium Economy
The industry continues to push toward achieving complete circularity in aluminium beverage can recycling by 2050. Aluminium is a highly sustainable material, capable of being recycled indefinitely without losing its essential properties. The recent adoption of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is expected to further support recycling efforts.
Conclusion
While the overall recycling rate has slightly declined due to increased consumption, the aluminium can industry remains focused on long-term improvements. Strengthening collection and sorting systems, particularly through expanded Deposit Return Systems, will be crucial in meeting future recycling targets and ensuring aluminium beverage cans play a vital role in circular economy. With continued investment and policy support, achieving 100% recycling circularity by 2050 remains an ambitious but attainable goal.
