According to the latest statistics published by the Environment Agency, the recycling rate of packaging made of aluminum in the United Kingdom will reach 68% by 2023. This was a record number as a total of 162,357 tons were recycled nationwide, including more than 81% of all beverage cans.
Although the national market has experienced rapid growth, there are figures that show a significant increase in the amount of aluminum containers collected through different systems. A 13% increase in tonnage is reported (115,382 compared to 102,195 in 2022) compared to the previous year. On the other hand, there was also a 17% increase in the amount of incinerator bottom ash recovered (IBA), from 38,982 to 45,632.
According to Tom Giddings, CEO of Alupro, recycling volumes by 2023 are reported to be record high. Despite an increase in the production and distribution of aluminum containers, recycling rates have continued to rise, which is very satisfactory.
“Over the past two decades, as an industry, we have devoted a lot of resources to improving our collection and recycling infrastructure, and we are now seeing the results of this long-term commitment,” he said. Despite constant delays and uncertainties about changes in national recycling legislation, the industry continues to meet and exceed its annual targets.
More and more brands are opting to use aluminum as the main material in their products, which has led to an increase in the market at the national level. In addition to offering a host of advantages in terms of packaging, aluminum is considered safe from a sustainable perspective. The existence of efficient national recycling systems is a key factor, as it allows packaging to be reused several times, thus contributing to a complete circular economy.
According to Chris Latham-Warde, a representative of Every Can Counts, a program that promotes beverage can recycling, the recycling rate achieved is impressive and reflects increased public awareness of the environment and the benefits of recycling. Over the past 12 months, this program has continued to work with consumers in the UK and Ireland to further drive progress in recycling not only at home but also outside the home.
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