The recycling of aluminium packaging has successfully exceeded the EU objectives, ahead of the established targets. The data provided by CIAL for 2023 confirms the notable progress underlining the commitment towards sustainable and responsible waste management.

The Italian model

During the CIAL annual meeting on 16 May, the data presented once again highlighted Italy’s role in the management of aluminium packaging and packaging waste. The Italian model is therefore a point of reference at a European level, confirming the principles of the action plan for the circular economy.

During 2023, 70.3% of the aluminium packaging introduced on the Italian market, equal to approximately 59,300 tonnes, was sent for recycling. If we add to this what comes from energy recovery, the total amount of packaging recovered reaches 74.1%. These results translate into a saving of 417 thousand tons of CO₂ and an energy saving equivalent to over 182 thousand tons of oil.

The management of aluminium packaging in our country is considered an example of excellence at a European level, characterized by a cost-effectiveness ratio among the best on the continent and a model of social, economic and environmental sustainability. This success was possible thanks to the close collaboration between institutions, businesses, sector operators, citizens and municipalities, who together have built a very positive relationship with the territory.

Beyond European targets

With an average of 70%, Italy has significantly exceeded the recycling objectives established by the European Union both for 2025, with 50%, and for 2030, with 60%.

Projections provided by Conai indicate further improvements in 2024: estimates for this year predict a packaging recycling rate in Italy of 74.9%, with the recovery of 10.3 million tonnes of waste. In particular, a recycling rate of 77.8% is expected for steel (409 thousand tonnes), 73% for aluminium (64 thousand tonnes), 85.6% for paper (4.3 million tons), 65.1% for wood (2.1 million tons), 52% for plastic and compostable bioplastic (1.2 million tons, of which approximately 51 thousand bioplastics), and 85 .9% for glass (2.3 million tons).

Particularly significant is the effectiveness of the Italian system in the recycling of aluminium beverage cans, which reached 93.8% in 2023. This exceptional result far exceeds the average European recycling rate, at 76%, demonstrating the effectiveness and efficiency of our approach to waste management.

This result also makes us at Ecocap’s particularly proud, as we have always been at the forefront of sustainability and the recycling of materials: it is no coincidence that our TopSyl caps are 100% aluminium and 100% recyclable!