Recent data on the NPWD by the Environment Agency (EA) showed aluminium packaging recycling in the United Kingdom maintained its rising spree in Q3 2023, ended September 30. During the three-month period (July-September), aluminium packaging collection for recycling stood at 48,135 tonnes, up by 21 per cent year-on-year.
The data further showed that of the total volume collected, 33,051 tonnes were recycled through kerbside, bring and on-the-go systems, which was 15 per cent higher than the previous year. The rest 12,950 tonnes were recovered from incinerator bottom ash (IBA), reflecting a 19 per cent rise compared to last year.
To date in 2023, aluminium packaging collection in the United Kingdom totalled 137,275 tonnes, representing a 17 per cent increase from the corresponding period of the previous year. From January to September 2022, aluminium packaging collection across the UK stood at 116,439 tonnes.
This year's annual target of aluminium packaging collection was 147,925 tonnes, meaning 92 percent has already been achieved, putting the nation firmly on track to exceed the target.
AL Circle’s recent report on “World Recycled Aluminium Market Analysis: Industry Forecast to 2030” highlights that the global aluminium recycling market will grow substantially between 2022 and 2030. The usage of recycled aluminium is also estimated to grow alongside. In Western Europe, recycled aluminium usage is expected to end the year 2023 at 4.6 million tonnes. Till 2030, the usage is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 2.92 per cent.
Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, said that these figures are proving those wrong who believed that the high rates of aluminium packaging collection for recycling during the COVID-19 pandemic were a short-term trend. These impressive volumes are reassuring that positive consumer recycling behaviours have continued.
Tom Giddings further said, “However, we mustn’t rest on our laurels when it comes to upward trending collection volumes. It’s of vital importance that organisations such as Alupro continue to bang the drum when it comes to consumer education. Through our awareness programmes, Every Can Counts and MetalMatters, we will continue to play a driving role in reminding households about the value of best practice recycling, while working towards our ambitious goal of a 100% recycling rate for aluminium packaging.”
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