Tata Steel calls for metal recycling boost ahead of Welsh resource conference

21 Mar 2023 --- Tata Steel, one of the world’s largest steel producers and one of Europe’s leading steel re-processors, has announced its sponsorship of the Chartered Institute of Wastes Management’s (CIWM) Resources Conference CYMRU on March 22 at the Glamorgan Cricket Club in Cardiff, Wales.

The steel producer says the event aims to inspire CIWM members looking to improve their environmental sustainability and waste management initiatives. The event features a line-up of industry experts, including Nicola Jones, manager for Steel Packaging Recycling at Tata Steel UK. 

“Steel is a vital packaging material keeping our food safe and fresh, and it reduces food waste. It is also a permanent material that is infinitely recyclable in our steel-making process. Steel is a truly circular material from any application such as buildings, cars and packaging,” Jones tells PackagingInsights. 

A circular steel economy 
Entitled “What quality materials look like in a circular economy,” Jones’ presentation will highlight the vital role of recycling steel packaging in the world’s transition to a circular economy. 

Jones’ presentation will take delegates on a journey through the recycling process from collection to extraction and new – and potentially surprising – material applications. The manager will highlight the crucial role of high-quality bales in optimizing the steel recycling process. She will also share a valuable list of what items should find a home in metal recycling bins, and what items should not. 

Steel is magnetic and it is “the easiest material in the world” to extract from the waste stream, asserts Jones.Delegates will discover the “vital role” Tata Steel plays in providing an end-market for UK steel extraction, claims the company. They will also learn how the industry giant helps organizations meet their packaging regulations by selling Packaging Recovery Notes.

“Thanks to events such as CIWM's Resources Conference CYMRU and our local outreach program with schools, Tata Steel is helping to spread the word about the vital importance of high-quality bales in the steel recycling process,” notes the company.

Consumer participation “crucial”
The steel producer highlights that consumers play an essential part in maximizing the success of recycling programs. “Their understanding of the importance of putting metal materials in the correct recycling bin, and their engagement to do so, are crucial to achieving a circular economy. This needs to be communicated consistently by all industry stakeholders.”  

“It is extremely easy for consumers to recycle their steel packaging, whether it’s a food, pet food can, jar lid or bottle top, aerosol or biscuit tin, all these can go into their curbside collection scheme at home. All we ask is that they are empty and sometimes given a rinse,” asserts Jones. 

She continues that steel is magnetic and it is “the easiest material in the world” to extract from the waste stream.

Commenting on the presentation, Jones says: “Steel is infinitely recyclable and its uses are both vast and constantly evolving. At Tata Steel, we are continuously innovating to raise the bar in this space, not only in terms of technology and processes but also regarding recycling. There’s a huge opportunity to make a real difference here.”

“Every steel plant is a recycling plant and Tata Steel in Port Talbot is the largest steelmaker in the UK. Tata Steel recycles the packaging steels from the household waste stream and will engage with its suppliers at the conference to ensure that quality and messaging are consistent throughout the whole supply chain,” concludes Jones. 

By Natalie Schwertheim