Latest data shows uplift in aluminium packaging recycling

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According to recent data published on the National Packaging Waste Database (NPWD) by the Environment Agency (EA), aluminium packaging recycling volumes continue to increase – showing an impressive uplift compared to 2022 figures.

In Q1 alone, 40,478 tonnes of aluminium packaging were collected for recycling – a 14% increase year-on-year (35,382). Of this volume, 28,850 tonnes were ‘actively’ recycled by consumers through kerbside, bring and on-the-go systems (+14% YOY), while 11,323 were recovered from incinerator bottom ash (IBA), with tonnages jumping +20% YOY.

So far this year, a total of 60,621 tonnes have been captured across the UK, representing a 13% increase compared to the same period last year (53,725). While the obligation is lower across all material types, this demonstrates continued progress.

Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, commented: “The UK’s latest PRN data shows an impressive increase when it comes to separately collected aluminium packaging, material recovered from IBA and other local protocol fractions. It’s positive news indeed that PRNs issued to date this year are already well ahead of target.

“While we can’t guarantee that this pace will continue throughout the rest of 2023, with six months of the year – and the busy Christmas period – still to go, the feel is decidedly positive across the supply chain when it comes to outperforming 2022 figures.

“We’re still awaiting market data to be submitted by some companies, which once again suggests that enforcement needs to be better and system reform is critical. However, if recycling volumes continue to climb and the obligation remains stable once missing data has been entered, we could be on course for an impressive total tonnage for 2023.

“Although some industry critics had suggested that the high recycling rates experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic were just a short-term trend, it’s reassuring to see that impressive volumes have continued. This is, in part, due to changing consumer behaviours, driven by programmes such as Every Can Counts and MetalMatters.”

To access the National Packaging Waste Database, visit www.npwd.environment-agency.gov.uk.

 

Leeds City Council encourages residents to ‘Foil in Love’ with recycling

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Almost 14,000 residents across Roundhay and Moortown are being inspired to ‘Foil in Love’ with recycling, as part of a new campaign launched by Leeds City Council. From wrapping foil and trays to aerosols, beverage cans and empty food tins, the initiative calls for households to recycle their clean aluminium packaging.

Run in partnership with the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro), the programme aims to target residents through social media outreach, a leaflet drop and specially liveried bin lorries operating relevant collection routes. With sustainability a key driver for the Council, the goal is to help residents recognise and recycle more foil packaging items in their green recycling bins.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Space, commented: “We’re always looking for ways to encourage our residents to recycle as much of their used packaging as possible. The good news is that more than 128 tonnes of aluminium was recycled across Leeds and the surrounding areas in 2022. However, analysis shows that Leeds residents also placed 1,292 tonnes in general waste bins, when they simply could have put it in their green recycling bin.”

“Working in partnership with Alupro to deliver the ‘Foil in Love’ campaign will provide another way to encourage residents to think carefully about disposing of aluminium packaging in the right bin and promote the benefits of recycling things like foil trays, pie tins and drinks cans.”

Tom Giddings, Alupro’s executive director, added: “Educating the public about best practice recycling is a key goal for Alupro, for the supply chain and for local authorities too. Our consumer engagement campaigns promote a positive message in a creative way – we’re not forcing people to recycle, we’re inspiring behavioural change.

“With our ‘Foil in Love’ campaign, we’re spreading two important messages. Firstly, it’s easy to recycle your used aluminium packaging – simply rinse off any chunky bits of food, then place in the correct bin! Secondly, aluminium is infinitely recyclable, meaning you can melt it down and reform it to create new products time and time again.”

The Roundhay and Moortown ‘Foil in Love’ with recycling campaign kicked off on Monday 19th June and will run for four weeks. People are being encouraged to like and follow the Leeds Recycles Facebook and Twitter pages, with some exciting competition prizes up for grabs. This is the 20th campaign delivered by Alupro through its foil recycling programme since 2017.

To learn more about Alupro or the ‘Foil in Love’ campaign, visit the campaign page.

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Alupro to join DRS panel debate at the 2023 Environmental Packaging Summit

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Tom Giddings, Alupro’s executive director, will share his views on the conditions needed to achieve an ‘aluminium-friendly’ DRS at this year’s Environmental Packaging Summit. Taking place between 13-14 June at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, the event will bring together experts from across the packaging supply chain to discuss key industry trends and developments.

Organised by Packaging News, the two-day event will cover a range of topics including environmental packaging, legislation and industry engagement. While EPR reforms and DRS legislation will be a core focus across both days, day one will also feature a number of sessions on net zero, while discussions around the wider supply chain and industry engagement will feature heavily on day two.

As part of the illustrious agenda, Tom will join a DRS panel discussion to debate the latest developments across all four nations. Other panellists include Keith Allen, commercial sustainability director at Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I; Sam Gold, public affairs manager at British Soft Drinks Association; and Phil Fenton, lead packaging and recycling adviser at British Glass. The panel ‘Deposit Return Schemes – will the UK get interoperability?’ will take place at 3.40pm on Tuesday 13 June.

Also joining a panel discussion at the event is Martin Hyde, Alupro’s sustainability and public affairs manager. At midday on Wednesday 14 June, Martin will take to the stage with Paldeep Bhatti, head of research and policy at INCPEN; and Margaret Bates, managing director of ORPL, for an in-depth session surrounding ‘Industry engagement with UK citizens’.

In comment, Giddings said: “With significant policy changes set to transform the packaging industry over the coming months, we’re looking forward to sharing our thoughts and participating in debate to discuss the future of metal packaging recycling and its role in driving the circular economy of tomorrow.

“The Summit provides a great opportunity to shout about the successes of our campaigns, demonstrate how our initiatives are encouraging consumers to recycle, and put forward our views on recent consultation responses. We’ll also be reiterating the importance of the infrastructure changes needed to move ever closer towards a 100% recycling rate.”

For more information about the Environmental Packaging Summit, or to register your attendance, visit https://summit.packagingnews.co.uk/eps2023/en/page/2023-home-page.

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