Aluminium beverage can recycling reached record high in UK

2020 was a record year for the UK. In one year with the pandemic, more aluminum beverage containers were collected and recycled than in any year on record, according to the Environment Agency, noting that the recycling rate for aluminum cans was 82%.

According to the agency, packaging recovery notes (PRNs) totalling 151,515 tonnes were issued, an increase of 31% compared to 2019 figures (115,808 tonnes). 86% of the aluminium packaging collected was recycled in Europe.

Rick Hindley, CEO of Alupro, commented: “In a year when aluminium packaging sales figures were up significantly, to report record recycling rates, particularly an 82% recycling rate for aluminium beverage cans, is excellent news”.

According to the director of Alupro, 2021 looks to be the same or better than this past year. “Looking ahead to the next 12 months, when the annual target for aluminium packaging recycling will increase to 66% and a carryover of 8,326 tonnes, it is too early to predict how volumes will change. Figures for the first three months of 2021 suggest that aluminium packaging collection rates have continued to grow. However, now that closure restrictions are easing and more packaging is being consumed on the go, it is imperative that we maintain best recycling practices, whether inside or outside the home.

Alupro is an industry-funded not-for-profit organisation with over 30 years’ experience in representing the UK aluminium packaging industry.