Steve Claus, Secretary General of APEAL, emphasized the significance of the latest findings, asserting that "these figures underscore steel's continued status as the predominant recycled sales packaging material in Europe." He attributed this achievement to the distinctive properties of steel and the collaborative endeavors of stakeholders throughout the value chain, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining a 100% closed material loop.

In contrast to many other packaging materials, Claus highlighted that the recently published figures were grounded in the actual recycling of steel packaging, not merely its collection. This development coincided with the introduction of a standardized method for calculating packaging recycling rates across the EU, a move that APEAL viewed as a crucial step toward creating a level playing field for all packaging materials in Europe.

Previously, EU member states employed diverse methods to determine recycling rates, leading to inflated figures and obscuring the challenges associated with multi-material packaging formats. The adoption of a new methodology, focusing on the material genuinely recycled at the start of recycling operations, represents a significant shift toward accuracy and transparency in the European packaging industry.

While several EU member states embraced the new calculation methodology last year, with more implementing updated rules this year, the industry is still in a transitional period. Eight member states continue to adhere to previous regulations.

APEAL took pride in aligning its newly published figures with the EU's progressive approach, revealing that 78.5% of steel packaging was genuinely recycled in 2021, equivalent to almost 8 out of every 10 steel packaging items entering the market. This accomplishment means that the EU's steel recycling rate target of 70% by 2025 has already been surpassed.

Claus added that steel's magnetic properties facilitate its easy recovery from any waste stream, and its enduring quality allows for repeated recycling without any loss in material quality. These attributes, he argued, explain why steel has maintained its status as the most widely recycled primary packaging material in Europe for yet another year, aligning seamlessly with the EU's vision for a circular economy.

By focusing on actual recycling tonnages rather than collected or sorted tonnages, APEAL and its partners aim to collectively contribute to building a greener, more circular future. This approach further promotes sustainability and resource conservation in the packaging industry.