Metal aerosol recycling is set to receive a boost, thanks to today‘s launch of the `UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative‘.
Launched by the aluminium packaging recycling organisation, Alupro, the cross-industry Initiative brings together working group partners from across the value chain and aims to increase the awareness and uptake of aerosol recycling among the public to drive increased recycling rates across the UK.
A phased approach
The initiative will see industry partners such as Ecosurety, Ball Aerosol Packaging, the British Aerosol Manufacturers’ Association (BAMA), The Metals Processing Institute, Suez Recycling and Recovery UK, and Tandom Metallurgical Group Ltd, working together to establish consumer behaviour towards aerosol recycling through education around best practice recycling. It will drive increased recycling rates by establishing a baseline recycling rate and roadmap for achieving higher future rates for aerosol recycling in the UK. Importantly, it will also seek to secure substantial long-term investment into recycling infrastructure. The programme aims to ensure metal aerosol recyclability and viability in a post-extended producer responsibility (EPR) and post-deposit return scheme (DRS) landscape.
A brighter future for aluminium recycling
Robbie Staniforth, Innovation and policy director at Ecosurety, said: “We’re pleased to be involved in this cross-industry initiative. It is vital that we build upon the success of aluminium recycling in general by focusing on specific packaging formats.
“Many of the barriers preventing aerosols being recycled are well-known, what is less clear is how those barriers can be removed. This initiative will pave the way for achieving much higher recycling rates for aluminium packaging in future.”
Commenting on the initiative, Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, said: “Consistently, aerosols top WRAP’s annual list of confusing consumer packaging types in regard to recycling. As an industry, our goal is to exceed a 50% aerosol recycling rate by 2030, making this initiative critical.
“This initiative will see us work closely with our partners to improve consumer behaviour and aerosol recycling infrastructure in the UK. These changes to the metal packaging industry will contribute not only towards a wider sustainable future but also allow us to take an important step towards a 100% metal packaging recycling rate.”
