According to recent data published on the National Packaging Waste Database (NPWD) by the Environment Agency (EA), aluminium packaging recycling volumes rocketed in Q2. Showing an impressive uplift compared to the same period in 2022, this puts the industry firmly on track to once again exceed annual recycling targets.

In Q2 2023, 38,829 tonnes of aluminium packaging were collected for recycling – a 5% increase year-on-year. Of this volume, 26,749 tonnes were recycled through kerbside, bring and on-the-go systems (69% of total volume, +5% YOY), while 11,791 were recovered from incinerator bottom ash (IBA), with tonnages up +5% compared to 2022.

So far this year, a total of 79,922 tonnes have been captured across the UK, representing 58% of the volume needed to surpass this year’s aluminium packaging recycling target. Compared to 2022, the market is already tracking 11% ahead and, if momentum continues, looks firmly on course to reach record rates.

Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, commented: “It’s encouraging to share such positive recycling figures for the second quarter of 2023. We’re significantly ahead of 2022 volumes and look set to maintain this progress well into the second half of the year.

“However, despite excellent recycling rates, PRN prices remain abnormally high – a dichotomy that undermines aluminium’s sustainability credentials and directly impacts packaging users who are often perplexed by the erratic cost of compliance.

“If we’re not careful, skewed pricing will also drive an unnecessary increase in the volume of post-consumer material sent for recycling overseas, alongside a drop in demand from the domestic market. Moving forward, greater transparency in packaging waste recycling is therefore essential.

“Following further delays to EPR reform, it’s clear that addressing the PRN system should be our number one priority. While it has delivered upon its initial objectives, the system is now dated and frankly unsuitable for purpose – inflated prices despite strong recycling volumes perfectly demonstrate this.

“We don’t need yet another consultation, we need action. This will prove pivotal in further driving recycling rates, as well as transitioning towards a more circular economy.”

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

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Alupro has revealed the winner of the ‘replacing multi-material packaging’ category at this year’s 2023 Student Starpack Awards. James Albosh, from Nottingham Trent University, took home first place for his prepared meal packaging design.

Alongside taking home £500 to help further his studies, James will receive a VIP tour of one of Crown Packaging’s state-of-the-art UK drink can manufacturing plants. The visit will include behind-the-scenes access to the facility and a Q&A opportunity with the senior design team – a truly money can’t buy prize.

As part of his entry, James created ‘Kahaan’ – a suite of reusable and recyclable packaging materials for prepared meals. Inspired by camping cookware, the design allows consumers to easily stack products on top of each other, while a discrete handle makes it possible to use the packaging as a stovetop cooking vessel.

Organised by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), the Student Starpack Awards challenged university students to create a design to replace multi-material packaging, such as cardboard and film, and instead embracing an infinitely recyclable aluminium solution.

Tom Giddings, executive director at Alupro, commented: “All of the entries submitted this year impressed the judging panel, but James’ design certainly stood out. Our brief encouraged applicants to think about the use of aluminium in innovative packaging design and Kahaan demonstrated that perfectly.

“The concept was incredibly well designed, with the unique bonus of the stove-top cooking feature demonstrating the true versatility of aluminium. A deserved winner of this year’s award. Congratulations, James!”

James Albosh added: “The project really encouraged me to think outside of the box when considering the application of aluminium in sustainable packaging design. Developing the concept was a lot of fun and enabled me to explore the properties of the material and its many capabilities.

“I’d like to thank IOM3 for the opportunity to enter and my tutors for their support throughout the competition. I’m looking forward to visiting one of Crown Packaging’s UK sites to see the manufacturing process first hand.”

For more information about the awards, visit: www.iom3.org/starpack.

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