Steel for Packaging Europe, the Belgium-based association, has announced that in 2023, 82% of all steel packaging in the EU was recycled through actual processing—not just collected. The figure, independently verified under the EU’s standardized methodology, marks the highest-ever recycling rate for steel packaging in the region.
This achievement confirms steel packaging as Europe’s most recycled packaging material, meeting the strict standards of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The increase of 2 percentage points over 2022 also underscores the environmental importance of steel scrap, which helps cut energy use and emissions during new steel production.
According to Secretary General Steve Claus, steel packaging contributes significantly to the EU’s circular economy goals, including resource conservation, emission reduction, food safety, and waste prevention. He highlighted that steel’s inherent recyclability makes it a key component in sustainable production systems.
Claus emphasized that this record reflects the real recycling rate, referring to material that enters recycling facilities, rather than being sorted or stored. He noted that recycled steel maintains its quality and can be repurposed for a wide range of uses, from trains to wind turbines and new packaging, making it perfectly aligned with the EU’s environmental vision.
Looking ahead, Claus called for improvements in quality recycling and separate collection systems across the EU. He also stressed the strategic importance of maintaining the global competitiveness of EU steel packaging, particularly in light of the upcoming EU Circular Economy Act (2026), which aims to unify sustainability policy and secure access to critical raw materials.
URL: https://www.recyclingtoday.com/news/steel-packaging-highest-recycling-rate-on-record/
