The UK’s national recycling rate of aluminum packaging now stand at 55 per cent, up from the previously reported 48 per cent, according to the latest report from the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro).
The estimated recycling rate for aluminium drinks cans alone has reached 69 per cent (from 60 per cent), but according to Alupro, the figures could be even higher.
According to packaging waste recovery data recently released by the UK’s Environment Agency the "business" recycling rate for all aluminium packaging exceeded its 2015 target (49 per cent), reaching 76,027 tonnes.
However, a study by Resource Futures, commissioned by Alupro, found that an estimated 86,200 tonnes was actually collected for recycling, equating to an overall 55 per cent recycling rate for 2015.
The ‘real’ 2015 recycling rates announced by Alupro are based on methodology outlined in the EU’s Circular Economy package proposals. This removes the aluminium that by weight forms a minor part of laminate and composite packaging, from the total aluminium put on the market.
Executive Director of Alupro, Rick Hindley, commented, "Our research clearly demonstrates the need to encourage more reprocessors to become accredited to ensure that the PRN system provides an accurate record of recycling performance.
"It sets a clear benchmark for our sector and we will use our findings to focus on what needs to be done to meet the ambitious new material recovery targets proposed under the EU Circular Economy package. It is also vital that the measurement system we use in the UK for calculating recycling performance is aligned to the methodology used throughout Europe."
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Jenny Whelan. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here
