Responsible resource management has always been key to the success of our industry. Made from permanent materials suitable for multiple recycling, metal packaging is the perfect example of a Circular Economy at work.

Permanent materials

A permanent material is a material whose inherent properties do not change during use and despite repeated recycling into new products. Its recycling does not necessarily require the addition of primary material or additives to enable the basic material function and properties. Non-permanent materials, on the other hand, spiral to end of life.

Permanent material loop

Non-permanent material spiral to end of life

Resources Material Product Product spiral

Multiple recycling

In order to move towards a true resource efficient “Recycling Society”, it is key that we make a clear distinction between recycling, which leas to the gradual degradation of the material, and recycling, which keeps the material in the loop without losing its intrinsic material characteristics.

Recycling

Metals recyclates can be used for many applications and up to 80% of all metal ever produced is still available for use.

A first class recycler

MPE

Today, 84% of steel packaging and 76% of aluminium beverage cans are recycled in Europe, making metal packaging the most recycled packaging. We are committed to an average European metal packaging recycling rate of 80% by 2020.

Keeping material in the loop = saving resources

Just as re-use at product level, multiple recycling saves primary raw materials, energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions at material level. Recycling one tonne of metal scrap uses 70-95% less energy than making one tonne of metal from virgin raw material. As such, it makes a key contribution to the EU Energy & Climate Change agenda.

Multiple recycling