AME PRESENTS its 2023 Corporate Report

The Spanish Metallographic Association (AME) assures that the recycling rate of steel and aluminum in Spain is 86.5%, according to its Corporate Report for 2023, which has just been made public.

Separated by material, steel and aluminum continue to be unbeatable in terms of recycling and have already been meeting the targets set by EU regulations for 2025 for many years. In the specific case of steel, the objectives set by the regulations for 2030 are already being met.
AME officials have clarified that for this new measurement of the recycling rate, a stricter methodology has been used than the previous one, in accordance with the new EU requirements, since it measures the recycling rate after the last effective recycling operation and, in addition, metal recycling is distinguished according to the production material, whether steel or aluminum.

Rafael Sanz, president of AME, assures that this report. “is a statement of the great work and dedication of the Association’s companies, which make up one of the most important sectors in the Spanish economy.”

He adds that sustainability is a key aspect of it, since metal is a permanent, 100% recyclable material that can be infinitely recycled.
AME officials have pointed out that “in the context of the current climate emergency, the metalworking industry works closely with associations such as AME to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda” and added that “all members of the association are committed to a green economy, reducing their carbon footprint and promoting recycling as an integral part of their business strategy.”

Metal, king of the circular economy
The second chapter of this report is devoted to the qualities of this material and the many other advantages of metal packaging and closures.
Metal plays a key role in the circular economy. This implies that, by recycling and reusing metal, the availability of natural resources in the production cycle is prolonged, which reduces the environmental impact caused by the extraction of new raw materials and promotes a more sustainable management of materials, both at the industrial level and in society in general.

The use of recycled metal in the manufacture of packaging and closures also reduces the amount of waste generated, helps mitigate the problem of waste accumulation and requires less energy than manufacturing with virgin raw materials. This leads to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants associated with the extraction and processing of metals.

On the other hand, as emphasized in the report, metal has always been an essential material in the evolution of society and the economy. The combination of unique qualities – mechanical and impact resistance, durability and corrosion resistance, or its barrier properties against light, oxygen and moisture – makes it the ideal choice. It is virtually impossible to beat the attributes of metal for the packaging and preservation of food and beverages, the manufacture of aerosols or decorative containers, and other industrial applications that allow the safe preservation and transport of chemicals and hazardous substances.

The importance of metal closures and packaging
The Spanish Metallographic Association is one of the oldest business organizations in the country. Moreover, this industry is key to the national economy and has positioned itself as a strong power in Europe. AME currently has 29 associate members and 13 member companies. Between the large multinationals and family-owned Spanish companies of different sizes that make up the Association, more than 6,000 professionals are employed in the sector.

Throughout 2023, the Spanish Metallographic Association continued with the dissemination activities of the “Metal Recycles Forever” campaign, started the previous year. Its goal is to increase awareness of the benefits, particularly environmental, of metal and its application in packaging and closures.
Among the most important actions with the media was the communication of the 2022 Corporate Report. In addition, the branded content campaign started in 2022 continued in a selection of media with an excellent return on investment.

In social networks, as in the previous year, we collaborated with influencers on different topics. Through the messages of content creators such as Todos Somos Reciclaje and Estela Moreno, the Spanish Metallographic Association was able to continue its work of spreading awareness of the benefits of metal packaging and closures.
The I Edition of the Infinito Awards was also held, an initiative that recognized and rewarded the best dissemination work and commitment to environmental education. Javier Clemente (Todos Somos Reciclaje) in social networks, Too Good to Go in companies, Efe Verde in media, and Mundolatas as Honorary Award were the winners in this event. Following its success, the II Edition of the Infinito Awards was recently held.