European industry bodies launch alliance to boost small aluminium packaging recycling

European aluminium and packaging industry bodies have joined together to tackle low recycling rates for small aluminium packaging formats, such as coffee capsules, foil lids, and confectionery wraps that often escape effective recovery across Europe. The initiative, officially launched on January 1, 2026, is led by the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA) in partnership with Flexible Packaging Europe (FPE), aiming to improve collection, sorting, and recycling at scale across Europe against the backdrop of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

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Why small aluminium is falling through the cracks

While aluminium cans and larger formats benefit from well-established collection and sorting systems, smaller items are frequently mis-sorted, lost during processing, or incinerated. According to industry sources, modern sorting facilities can technically separate multiple aluminium fractions, but this capability is unevenly deployed across European regions. The result is a structural gap between technological potential and on-the-ground recycling performance. Thus, this alliance is formed with a clear focus on this challenge.

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A coordinated value chain response

16 companies have come together through this collaboration spanning the aluminium and packaging value chain, including material producers, converters, brand owners and fillers. Confirmed participants include Actega, Al Invest, Aluminium Féron, Alupak, Amcor, Bel Group, Constantia Flexibles, Datwyler, Delica, Formika, JDE Peet’s, Laminazione Sottile, Lindt, Nestlé Nespresso, Speira and Symetal.

EAFA’s Executive Director Guido Aufdemkamp noted that the alliance would work to identify bottlenecks in national waste management systems that hinder improved recycling performance. Partners plan to conduct targeted studies and support the implementation of practical measures, leveraging existing national aluminium recycling organisations and technical expertise.

Implications for Europe’s circular economy

The timing of the alliance is strategic. As deposit-return schemes (DRS) expand across Europe and increasingly divert beverage cans from household waste streams, recyclers are reassessing how remaining non-beverage aluminium packaging is collected and sorted. Industry observers see this as an opportunity to re-optimise sorting infrastructure for smaller aluminium formats, rather than allowing them to become collateral losses of system change.

More broadly, the alliance reflects a shift towards collaborative, multi-stakeholder solutions to meet EU recycling targets—recognising that no single player can solve systemic recycling inefficiencies alone.