Steel Packaging Achieves Record EU Recycling Rate, Strengthening Circular Economy Goals

According to a recent announcement from Steel for Packaging Europe, the steel packaging sector has achieved its highest-ever recycling rate in the European Union. As reported by the industry body, a record 82% of steel packaging placed on the market in 2023 was “really recycled,” meaning it entered actual recycling processes rather than merely being collected.

This achievement, independently verified and calculated using the EU’s harmonised methodology, marks a 2 percentage point increase compared to 2022, underscoring the continuous progress made in improving recycling rates. Steel for Packaging Europe emphasized that steel packaging remains the most widely recycled packaging material in Europe, already meeting the stringent recyclability criteria outlined in the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

Steve Claus, Secretary General of Steel for Packaging Europe, highlighted the role of steel packaging in supporting the EU’s circular economy goals. According to Claus, the steel packaging industry plays a critical role in helping European member states conserve resources, reduce emissions, and maintain food security. The continued rise in recycling rates also reflects the sector’s commitment to closing the material loop and reducing waste.

“Meanwhile, the continued rise in steel packaging recycling rates, which corresponds to the amount of packaging that is really recycled at the entrance of recycling operations and not the volume of collected packaging which might contain impurities, reflects our industry’s commitment to closing the material loop,” Claus said. He also noted that recycled steel could be repurposed for various uses, from new packaging to infrastructure projects such as wind turbines and trains.

While celebrating this milestone, Claus also emphasized that further efforts are needed to ensure high-quality recycling processes and promote separate collection systems across EU member states. According to Claus, the sector must continue to work to maintain the competitiveness of EU steel packaging on global export markets.

The upcoming EU Circular Economy Act, expected to be implemented in 2026, is anticipated to further unify circular economy policies across the bloc and prioritize sustainable access to critical raw materials. As reported, the steel packaging sector’s success in recycling could serve as a valuable model for future circular economy initiatives.

In conclusion, Steel for Packaging Europe called on all EU institutions to continue supporting policies that promote a greener, more circular Europe, further strengthening the region’s position as a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.

Source: Steel for Packaging Europe