Steel for Packaging Europe ACHIEVES THE HIGHEST RECYCLING RATE EVER RECORDED

Steel for Packaging Europe has confirmed the highest recycling rate ever achieved in the EU for steel packaging, bringing the sector even closer to fully closing the material loop.

Independently verified and calculated using the harmonized EU methodology, the latest figures reveal that 82% of steel packaging placed on the market was actually recycled in 2023, meaning it effectively entered real recycling operations, not just collected.

The announcement confirms that steel packaging remains the most recycled packaging material in Europe, already meeting the strictest recyclability criteria set out in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This record rate represents a 2 percentage point increase compared to 2022, reinforcing the essential role of steel scrap, which is key to the sustainable production of new steel products by reducing energy consumption and emissions during the manufacturing process.

Steve Claus, Secretary General of Steel for Packaging Europe, stated:
The production and use of steel for packaging in the EU plays a crucial role in helping Member States achieve their circular economy goals: conserving resources, reducing emissions, and contributing to food security and food waste prevention.

“At the same time, the continuous increase in steel packaging recycling rates—which corresponds to the amount of packaging that is actually recycled by entering recycling operations, and not the collected volume that could contain impurities—reflects our industry’s commitment to closing the material loop. All recycled steel packaging will be used to manufacture new steel products without loss of quality. It could be a train, a wind turbine, or even a new steel package, and this clearly demonstrates why steel packaging fits so well with the EU’s circular economy vision and how it contributes to a better environment for citizens everywhere”.

While celebrating this achievement, Mr. Claus emphasized that further progress is still needed. He called for high-quality recycling and the promotion of selective collection systems in all Member States, while also advocating to ensure that EU steel for packaging remains competitive in global export markets.