Responsible resource management has always been key to the success of our industry. Made from permanent materials, metal packaging is the perfect example of a circular economy at work.

Metal Packaging and the UN SDGs

The metal packaging industry is dedicated to playing its part in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This infographic provides a snapshot of what the industry is doing to promote sustainable development and help change the world we live in for the better.

Find out more about how the metal packaging industry can contribute to the UN SDGs in the factsheet below and on our microsite.

Metal Packaging and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

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                                                                                         Download the infographic below

 

Metal Packaging and the UNSDGs

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Permanent

Permanent Recycles forever Resource efficient Circular economy

Metals are natural elements that maintain their physical properties forever. Once metal enters the material-to-material loop, in which it is recycled again and again, it will always be available for future generations. This means metal is a permanent material.

Permanent

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.
- Carbotech -

Metal
Permanent materials
Non-permanent materials
Renewable resources Non-renewable resources

Recycles forever

When metal products reach the end of their useful life, the materials are simply collected and recycled, again and again, with no loss of their inherent properties. This is known as real recycling. The metal packaging industry and its recycling stakeholders are committed to a real-recycling society.

Up to 75% of all metal ever produced in the world is still available for use.

recycle
80% 2025

We are committed to an average European metal packaging recycling rate of 80% by 2025.

Today, 78.5% of steel packaging and 76% of aluminium beverage cans are recycled in Europe, making metal packaging the most recycled packaging.

Resource efficiency

Global resources are limited, yet society’s demands are increasing. Managing resources efficiently is therefore a top priority for our industry. Metal, as a highly recycled permanent material, saves raw materials, energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

Circular economy

The metal packaging industry is the perfect example of a circular economy, with metal recycling forever in a material-to-material loop. When a metal product reaches the end of its useful life, the material is never lost. Through recycling, its value is retained forever, making it available today and for future generations.

Permanent material loop

Non-permanent material spiral to end of life

Resources Material Product Product spiral

Recycles mark

If your brand or organisation would like to participate in the campaign and obtain a license, please please find the Mark files and accompanying visual identity guideline documents here.