APEAL published its first recycling report ‘Good practices in separate collection, sorting and recycling of steel for packaging’ in 2018. The report’s aim was two-fold.
Firstly, to provide detailed information relevant to organisations and individuals wishing to learn more about a real and successful material recycling story.
Secondly, to inspire stakeholders throughout the value chain to work together to boost recycling rates even further in European countries where systems are
already in place.
Well received across Europe, several countries were seen to implement good practices shared by other member states, such as introducing or further optimising separate collection schemes and raising public awareness.
Indeed, the recycling rate of steel for packaging in Europe has continued to grow, reaching a new record of 84% in 2019. The European Green Deal, in particular the new Circular Economy Action Plan and the review of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, will change the packaging landscape significantly.
In keeping with recent legislative evolutions, and with the objective of keeping materials in the circular loop for as long as possible, APEAL launches this follow-up report “How to recycle steel – Why steel packaging recycles forever”, focusing on best practices in four key areas:
- Optimised separate collection
- Collection and sorting of steel closures
- Scrap quality standards
- Design for recycling.
In line with a bold vision of “zero steel packaging to landfill by 2025”, APEAL believes more can be done to boost both the quality and quantity of steel to recycling, and that all stakeholders have a meaningful role to play in the drive for a more circular economy in Europe.