EU carton recycling rate hits 40 per cent

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The Alliance for Beverage Cartons & the Environment (ACE) UK has welcomed the latest figures on EU carton recycling that shows 40 per cent of beverage cartons were recycled in 2012.

This is equivalent to approximately 380,000 tonnes of cartons.

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Compared to 2011, this is a rise of 3 per cent, with the total recovery rate when recycling and energy from waste is taken into account was 69 per cent across the EU.

ACE UK chief executive Richard Hands said: “We very much welcome this latest rise in carton recycling rates across the EU, which shows things are moving in the right direction. As recently as 2009 the recycling rate was just over 30 per cent, so to hit 40 per cent in 2012 is very encouraging.

“As an organisation, we and the members we represent, are committed to improving the opportunities for beverage carton recycling in the UK. Over 50 per cent of local authorities now collect cartons at kerbside for recycling, and we are confident that the opening earlier this year of the UK’s only dedicated carton recycling facility – a partnership between ACE UK and Sonoco Alcore – will provide a further boost to carton recycling rates.”