Recycling of steel packaging hit another record in 2020, according to data released by the Association of European Producers of Steel for Packaging (APEAL, Brussels; www.steelforpackaging.org). The rate of 85.5% was up 1.5% on the year before and represented a rise for the 10th consecutive year.

APEAL’s general secretary Alexis Van Maercke commented, “The excellent recycling rate which steel packaging continues to improve upon each year, is testament to steel’s strong environmental credentials and the work of stakeholders throughout the value chain to improve recycling processes, infrastructure, and consumer communications.”

The association added that more countries than ever before have recycled over 90% of steel packaging, sending a clear signal that closing the loop for the material, which rivals plastics in many applications, is within reach. Countries that registered a rate of above 90% were Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Norway, and Estonia.

The trade body has a vision of zero steel packaging to landfill by 2025, but Van Maercke said there were still several countries that “have some way to go to reach the average recycling rate in Europe”. According to APEAL data, the Republic of Ireland, Portugal, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Romania, and Lithuania had a recycling rate of under 70%.

APEAL’s methodology and data sources have been reviewed, audited, and certified by UK consultancy Eunomia (Bristol; www.eunomia.co.uk).