Steel is not merely recyclable – it is recycled in practice and at scale. Since 1986, when Steel for Packaging Europe (SfPE) was founded as APEAL, recycling rates have risen continuously, reaching 82% today, the highest of any packaging material in Europe and exceeding EU targets. This is true circularity. Collected, sorted and reprocessed steel becomes new steel, without loss of material quality.
Moreover, steel scrap is an essential raw material for steelmaking, and a strategic resource for which EU demand already exceeds supply. In other words, every item of steel packaging collected, whether it’s a food can, an aerosol or a paint tin, directly strengthens European raw-material autonomy, saving primary raw materials and energy in the process.
It is equally clear that steel packaging offers outstanding performance at all stages throughout the value chain. A highly versatile material, its inherent strength and 100% barrier properties to light, air and water enable safe storage, long shelf-life and reduced food waste – supporting food security and climate objectives. Indeed, continual improvements are being driven in all areas including lightweighting, openability and decoration, demonstrating that sustainability and convenience can advance together.
After four decades of progress, steel packaging stands as a model for circular transformation – exceeding recyclability requirements with record breaking recycling rates
One of the most significant developments in manufacturing has been the replacement of hexavalent chromium in the passivation of tinplated steel. Chromium-Free Passivation Alternative (CFPA) is an innovative, alternative technology developed by Steel for Packaging Europe members that will help to uphold the highest standards of environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance in European manufacturing.
Steel for packaging’s trusted sustainability story is one which has developed alongside evolving regulatory frameworks, including the recent Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Our industry can be proud that the record steel packaging recycling rates deliver real circularity, supported by efficient, established collection and sorting infrastructure and a proven closed material loop.
There is no doubt that steel will remain a trusted choice for modern, safe and sustainable packaging
To mark its 40th anniversary, SfPE will publish its latest recycling status report at the high-level event Shaping Europe’s Circular Future on 21st April.
As Europe moves toward the implementation phase of PPWR and the expected adoption of the Circular Economy Act, this event will address policy adjustments needed to accelerate circularity, including incentivising high-quality recycling and examining how Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems must evolve to support a truly circular European economy.
After four decades of progress, steel packaging stands as a model for circular transformation – exceeding recyclability requirements with record breaking recycling rates and favouring local recycling within a closed material loop.
Our industry can be proud that the record steel packaging recycling rates deliver real circularity, supported by efficient, established collection and sorting infrastructure and a proven closed material loop
There is no doubt that steel will remain a trusted choice for modern, safe and sustainable packaging. To ensure this, the EU must maintain a strong, competitive European steel industry and safeguard secure, local supply chains. This is not only an environmental imperative but a strategic one for Europe’s circular future.
Established in 1986, SfPE is committed to ensuring awareness of steel as a sustainable and efficient packaging solution for the long-lasting protection of food and other products. To mark 40 years of SfPE's commitment to steel as a truly circular packaging solution, join us at our event - Shaping Europe's Circular Future - on 21st April
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