UK aluminium can exports continue to increase in 2018

Aluminium can export from UK is expected to witness an increase in 2018. The country has been following an upward pattern for the export of aluminium cans. The largest beverage can market in Europe- UK reached 72 per cent aluminium drinks cans recycling rate in 2017.The recycling rate for aluminium drinks cans continued to increase from 70 per cent in 2016 to hitting 72 per cent in 2017. The national recycling rate for all aluminium packaging reached 51 per cent last year.

Global export-import data shows, UK exported 36529 tonnes of aluminium cans in 2016. Last year, aluminium cans volume was up at 45424 tonnes. In 2018, aluminium cans export by UK is estimated to reach 48374 tonnes by December end.

Value-wise, from US$173 million in 2016, the value of aluminium cans export by UK increased to US$571 million in 2017. UK is estimated to export aluminium cans worth US$945 million in 2018.

Alupro’s Executive Director Rick Hindley said “It is fantastic to see aluminium packaging recycling rates continuing to increase year on year.  We must continue to increase awareness and understanding of what happens to used aluminium packaging when it is recycled.”

“Aluminium packaging has an intrinsic value.  The issue is encouraging consumers to recognise aluminium packaging as an extremely cost-effective material to recycle, through education and effective communications.”