Undoubtedly, 2021 has become an important year for the UK when it comes to taking action on climate change. A trend that is also becoming deeply rooted in the future of British consumers, who are increasingly knowledgeable and aware of the environment and climate change.
Last year, recycling rates for aluminium drinks can recycling in the UK broke a new all-time record to reach 82%, its highest rate to date, which was a 6% year-on-year increase from 2019. According to Alupro, this data shows that there is an increased awareness among UK consumers of the benefits of recycling and a significant change in their behaviour. The increase in the volume of aluminium recovered from incinerator bottom ash can also be attributed to the approval of several new companies to issue container recovery notes and the commissioning of several new energy recovery facilities in the United Kingdom.
However, Boris Johnson’s government, in addition to hosting the 26th United Nations Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP26) scheduled for later this year, has also included in its agenda another ambitious challenge, that of reducing emissions by 78% by 2035. This is the world’s most ambitious climate change target.
While the UK government is making strides to combat climate change, there are a number of grassroots organisations that are also encouraging people to prioritise sustainable choices every day. For example, Every Can Counts, a non-profit program supported by Crown, strives to achieve a 100% recycling rate for beverage cans across Europe. Launched in 2009, Every Can Counts is now active in 19 countries and continues to grow. As part of their efforts, in addition to counting cans, they also work to improve can recycling facilities and drive changes in consumer behavior.
Two targets in particular will be key in recycling: increasing the average recycled content of products as well as recycling rates in the main UK markets to reach a new record and finally achieving the infinite recycling cycle.
MEMBERS OF THE U.S. CAN MANUFACTURERS INSTITUTE PLEDGE TO ACHIEVE 70% RECYCLING RATE BY 2030
Aluminium sector braces for rising demand and prices
THE AMOUNT OF RECYCLED ALUMINIUM PACKAGING INCREASES BY 5% IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
Aluminium beverage can recycling reached record high in UK
Global production of post-consumer recycled aluminum reaches new record high
GRANTS FOR THE CORRECT SORTING OF USED BEVERAGE CANS
Roadmap to 100% Aluminium Beverage Can Recycling
Making a can from recycled aluminum saves more than 90% of the energy needed to make a new can.
Aluminium Can Recycling was a record in Europe in 2018
Subsidies for higher-precision recycling and greater profit.
