New partner for UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative

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CleanPak, the market leader in aerosol recycling, has joined the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative. Spearheaded by Alupro, the aluminium packaging recycling organisation, the programme was founded to raise awareness of and increase aerosol recycling in the UK.

Part of Hull-based environmental services specialist Clean Eco Group, CleanPak uses state-of-the-art technology to dispose of both full and empty aerosols. The plastic and metal components are separated for recycling, while any residual gas and liquids are turned into fuel.

Launched in September 2022, the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative is working towards the goal of achieving a 50% aerosol recycling rate by 2030. Alongside improving consumer education and establishing an accurate baseline recycling rate, the group collaborated to launch a roadmap to guide a national uplift in collection and reprocessing volumes in order to achieve its ambition.

David Roebuck, founder and executive officer at Clean Eco Group, commented: “We’re thrilled to have joined the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative – a hugely important movement for the industry. Alongside increasing education and data transparency, it aims to identify and implement vital improvements throughout the value chain to increase recycling rates.”

Tom Giddings, executive director at Alupro, added: “As a leading player in the aerosol recycling sector, the involvement of CleanPak will prove invaluable to the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative as we continue to expand our activities nationwide. The knowledge, insight and firepower of the team will enable us to take significant strides towards our goal of achieving a 50% aerosol recycling rate by 2030.

“The initiative is continuing to gain significant momentum – we’re looking to make important progress and we’re excited to work alongside our partners to maximise the recycling rate of aluminium packaging.”

For more information about the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative, visit: www.alupro.org.uk/industry/programmes/the-uk-aerosol-recycling-initiative. For more information about Alupro, visit www.alupro.org.uk.

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Q3 data shows impressive 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 in Q3 continued to increase – showing an impressive uplift compared to the same period in 2022.

During the three-month period (Jul-Sep), 48,135 tonnes of aluminium packaging were collected for recycling – a 21% increase year-on-year. Of this volume, 33,051 tonnes were recycled by consumers through kerbside, bring and on-the-go systems (an uplift of 15% YOY), while 12,950 were recovered from incinerator bottom ash (IBA), a 19% increase compared to Q3 2022.

To date in 2023, 137,275 tonnes of aluminium packaging have been captured across the UK, representing a 17% increase compared to the same period last year (116,439). With 92% of the obligation already achieved (147,925), this puts us firmly on track to far exceed annual targets.

Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, commented: “It’s positive to see that the tonnage of aluminium packaging collected for recycling across the UK is rising steadily. While some industry critics had suggested that the high rates reported during the COVID-19 pandemic were just a short-term trend, it’s reassuring to see that impressive volumes and positive consumer recycling behaviours have continued.

“It’s also good to see that PRN prices have finally started to stabilise, following ongoing fluctuations, late data submissions and no end of unnecessary complications. Moving forward, more work needs to be done to ensure that the PRN price doesn’t drive material flow, as it arguably has done in recent years. Much like the rest of the industry, we’re hoping for a calm and peaceful 2024 from a PRN perspective!

“However, we mustn’t rest on our laurels when it comes to upward trending collection volumes. It’s of vital importance that organisations such as Alupro continue to bang the drum when it comes to consumer education. Through our awareness programmes, Every Can Counts and MetalMatters, we will continue to play a driving role in reminding households about the value of best practice recycling, while working towards our ambitious goal of a 100% recycling rate for aluminium packaging.

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

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