European steel recycling
reaches record levels
Recycling of steel packaging in Europe has hit an all-time high
of 80.5%, according to figures issued by the Association of
European Producers of Steel for Packaging (APEAL).
This record rate, which represents data from 2017, indicates
that the industry met and exceeded one of its key sustainability
goals—an 80% recycling rate in Europe by 2020—three years ahead
of schedule.
“With 100% of the separately collected steel packaging being
recycled into new steel products, these figures further reinforce
the fact that steel is well placed to reach the higher recycling targets
proposed by the revision of the European Union’s Packaging
and Packaging Waste Directive in the context of the Circular
Economy package,” said Alexis Van Maercke, Secretary General
of APEAL.
“This is another major achievement for the industry, and sends
a loud and clear message to brands, manufacturers and retailers
that it is high time more emphasis was placed on this tried, tested
and sustainable packaging solution.”
As well as being the most recycled primary packaging material
in Europe, according to APEAL, steel is a permanent material
that can be infinitely recycled without any loss of quality. The
World Steel Association (Worldsteel) estimates that 75% of steel
products ever made are still in use today.
Recycling steel packaging helps to reduce emissions and helps
to save natural resources such as iron ore, coal and limestone. In
addition, its portion size, versatility, long shelf-life and ambient
storage qualities help reduce food waste and energy consumption,
APEAL noted. Spray
August 2019 Spray 11