The European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA) is joining hands with Flexible Packaging Europe (FPE) to set up a European alliance aimed at one particular objective. This objective is to boost the recycling efficiency for small aluminium packaging, like coffee capsules.
With this partnership and the initiative, creating the right conditions for effective collection, sorting and high-quality, scalable recycling of these packaging types throughout Europe is significantly possible.
The requirements as set by the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) clarify the need for the industry to step up its game with clear actions. Aluminium is deemed to boast impressive recycling rates, but smaller aluminium packaging is still considered to be lagging. Small packaging may include coffee capsules, chocolate and cheese foils, dairy lids and small aluminium containers.
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Irrespective of the large-scale sorting facilities that effectively separate these types for recycling, this efficiency is still not properly uniform across all regions in Europe. As a result, a large number of these products end up being incinerated, with only a fraction being recovered through bottom-ash treatment, which is the process that might fail to meet the future “recycled-at-scale” standards outlined in the PPWR.
Moreover, as deposit-return schemes (DRS) gain traction across Europe and take beverage containers out of household recycling, sorting plants now have a chance to redirect their focus towards other packaging types.
Guido Aufdemkamp, Executive Director of EAFA, stated, “We need to join forces in the value chain to make progress, particularly with small aluminium packaging, in order to achieve the PPWR targets. This alliance provides a shared foundation to improve collection, sorting and recycling in a targeted way. Together, we will identify the respective bottlenecks in waste management which hinder a good recycling performance and conduct relevant studies supporting the practical implementation of measures. We also rely on the experience in our network of national aluminium recycling organisations and other existing initiatives to put in practice the necessary actions.”
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Nearly sixteen companies, spanning the entire value chain, including the aluminium foil producers, coffee capsule makers, semi-rigid container suppliers, brand owners and fillers have provided their support to be a part of the alliance.
This will officially kick off on January 1, 2026 and the companies involved 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.
Currently, collaboration of multiple stakeholders covering the entire value chain highlights the industry’s dedication to tackling these challenges together and in a positive way. This effort further supports a circular economy where small aluminium packaging formats can be recycled reliably and sustainably, ensuring high quality and large-scale processing.
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