UK hits record aluminum packaging recycling rate boosted by COVID-19 lockdowns

02 May 2022 --- The UK recorded its highest aluminum packaging recycling rate in 2021, according to annual data published by the Environment Agency. The recycling rate was a record 68% in 2021, with more than 156,000 metric tons collected for recycling (a 3% rise year-on-year). Meanwhile, more than four in five beverage cans were recycled last year (82%) – matching the previous record set in 2020. 

Despite a growing domestic market, aluminum packaging collected through kerbside, bring and on-the-go systems increased by 5% (112,210), while tonnage recovered from incinerator bottom ash grew by 2% (41,941). More than 88% of this total volume was recycled within the UK and EU, with just 12% being exported for reprocessing further afield.

“It’s pleasing news indeed to report yet another record-breaking year for aluminum packaging recycling. While the total UK market size grew, recycling rates kept pace. More importantly still, the vast majority of material was collected through kerbside, bring and on-the-go systems, which maximized the potential for closed-loop recycling,” says Tom Giddings, executive director at Alupro, an industry-funded, not-for-profit organization representing the UK’s aluminum packaging industry.

Pandemic boosts recycling
Alupro highlights that recycling rates “shot up across the board” in 2020, driven by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting national lockdowns and mandatory working from home guidance.

“Many suggested that 2021 would see a natural drop in rates, due to gradually easing restrictions, so it’s positive to see that consumers continued to recycle their aluminum packaging in 2021 and maintained their good habits,” continues Giddings.Alupro says recycling rates “shot up across the board” in 2020, driven by COVID-19 impacts.

“Looking forward to the first quarter of 2022, we hope to see record rates continuing, reflecting the positive trends of 2021. With higher, more ambitious national targets, we’re pleased to be moving ever-closer toward a 100% recycling rate for aluminum packaging.”

“As we do so, communication will prove ever-more pivotal in maintaining consumer engagement and maximizing positive recycling behaviors. This [consumer engagement] is a key point included within our Aluminium Manifesto, which was released in March and calls for fundamental change in the UK’s approach to packaging and waste management.”

More progress expected
Chris Latham-Warde of Every Can Counts, Alupro’s communications program aimed at driving drink can recycling, adds: “A record-breaking recycling rate reflects ever-increasing public awareness about environmental issues and the widespread benefits of recycling. Over the past 12 months, Every Can Counts and MetalMatters have continued to engage consumers throughout the UK and Ireland to make real inroads toward improving recycling rates at home and when on the go.”

“With a full schedule of events and activities planned with partners this year, we expect the figures to be even more impressive in 2022.”

In related developments, the International Organisation of Aluminium Aerosol Container Manufacturers (AEROBAL) recently reported that global shipments by its members declined by 1.2% in 2021 to around 5.6 billion units.

AEROBAL, whose members include metal packaging giants like Ball, says this decline is largely due to COVID-19 disruptions and inflating prices throughout global markets. However, the organization says the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine is now “by far the greatest concern for manufacturers.”

By Joshua Poole