Apeal welcomes revision of Waste Framework Directive: a step towards more sustainable steel packaging

The recent proposal made by the European Commission to revise the EU Waste Framework Directive (WFD) in detail was welcomed by APEAL, a group of European steel packaging producers. This proposal is part of a broader package of measures on biodiversity and food. The European Union’s ‘Farm to Fork’ Strategy, which includes a proposal for improved forms of stewardship to reduce food waste, received a major boost to achieve a more efficient circular economy. This includes the continuous review of waste management methods and the gradual elimination of unnecessary dumping and misuse of valuable resources such as steel packaging.

The APEAL Organization, chaired by Alexis Van Maercke, remarked that it is important to note that there is a waste of almost 58 million tons of food every year in Europe, which is equivalent to 16% of the total greenhouse gas emissions from the EU food system. Steel containers are the key to reducing these emissions.

“The unique preservation qualities of steel containers, which offer the longest shelf life of all packaging formats and help reduce waste during preparation, packaging and transportation, play a vital role in preventing food waste at all stages of the supply chain,” they noted. In addition, canned foods also represent a non-energy-consuming option for consumers at a time when the cost of living and food prices are rising across Europe.

“Steel packaging can be recycled time and time again. The recycling rate of steel packaging, which has increased every year for more than a decade and now stands at 85.5%, is testament to its sustainability credentials and the importance of its role as we strive to improve resource efficiency.” said the head of the company.

Finally, an important outcome of the new Waste Reduction Action Framework Directive is the progress that will be made towards achieving a sustainable and circular economy. This will significantly improve in reducing food waste in Europe. “The revision of the WFD is therefore another key step in enabling Europe to reduce food waste and move decisively towards a greener and more circular economy “Van Maercke concluded.