Steel Packaging Recycling Rate Hit New All-Time Peak

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The most recent statistics published by the Brussels-based Association of European Producers of Steel for Packaging (APEAL) suggests that steel packaging recycling rate hit a new all-time high of 82.5% in the European region during entire year 2018.

The data for 2018 indicates that steel continues to be the most recycled primary packaging material in the region. The rate suggests that more than 8 out of the 10 steel items put on the EU market during the year were recycled into new steel products. Also, recycling has led to savings of more than 4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide during the year.

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The 2% year-on-year jump in recycling rate reaffirms steel packaging’s relevance as a sustainable packaging solution for the 21st century circular economy, said Alexis Van Maercke, secretary general of APEAL. The high recycling rate is primarily attributed to separate collection mechanisms implemented in various countries across the region, such as Italy and Poland, he added.

APEAL welcomed European Commission’s goal to boost separate collection of packaging waste streams, saying that it will help in ensuring high-quality input into recycling operations. The industry must continue its efforts to further boost steel packaging collection and recycling in the years to come, it said.