The most recycled packaging material in Europe in 2012 was steel, according to the Association of European Producers of Steel for Packaging (APEAL).
In 2012, 2.7 million tonnes of steel packaging were recycled to make new steel products, corresponding to an average European rate of 74 per cent.
This compares to 35 per cent for plastic, 39 per cent for beverage cartons, 68 per cent for glass and 70 per cent for aluminium.
APEAL secretary general Alexander Mohr said: “These figures evidence a continued dedication to the recycling of steel packaging and just how big an impact it can have in driving up rates.
“While steel maintains its position as the most recycled packaging material in Europe, it is clear there is still some work to be done in order for the industry to hit its vision of 80 per cent recycling rate by 2020.
“APEAL has no doubt that these targets will be achieved especially when you consider that the top five recycling countries in Europe already have an average steel recycling rate of 90 per cent.”
