The national recycling rate in the UK for all aluminium packaging now stands at 55% (previously 48%) and the estimated recycling rate for aluminium drinks cans has reached 69% (from 60%), but the figures could be even higher, indicates the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro).
According to packaging waste recovery data recently released by the Environment Agency, the “business” recycling rate for all aluminium packaging exceeded its 2015 target (49%), reaching 76,027 tonnes*.
However, research conducted to determine how much aluminium packaging is reprocessed or exported, beyond that reported by reprocessors/exporters accredited to issue packaging recycling notes (PRNs), revealed at least 10,000 tonnes of qualifying used aluminium packaging did not go through the PRN system in 2015. This means that an estimated 86,200 tonnes was actually collected for recycling, equating to an overall 55% recycling rate for 2015. The study was commissioned by Alupro and undertaken by independent environmental consultancy, Resource Futures.
*Target for all aluminium packaging in 2015 was 74,190 tonnes, equating to a 49% recycling rate