A new report highlights the UK’s low rates of aluminium foil packaging recycling rates. Government reforms could drastically speed this up in the future.
A new report has shined a light on the potential impact government reforms could have on aluminum waste!
A new report out today has stated that despite aluminium packaging being one of the most well used household packaging materials, half of it still does not get recycled.
The report titled ‘closing the loop: 4 steps towards 100% aluminium foil packaging recycling’ was conducted by the Green Alliance who make it clear that reforms could potentially mean all aluminum waste is recovered and recycled.
It comes at an interesting time when Michael Gove is overhauling the UK recycling system. With the focus being mainly on plastic packaging the findings about aluminium are very thought provoking.
In fact the Green Alliance has stated that this reviewing of the recycling system is a rare opportunity. They see it as a chance to change it from the top down and introduce something that works for consumer, business and the environment alike.
One of the most standout statistics in the report relates to building on the already proposed plastic packaging recycling reforms. It states that if aluminium packaging waste is included it could cut this from the 49% today to a mere 3% when fully implemented.
In the UK during 2017 we recycled nearly 51% of aluminium packaging materials including drink cans which by itself was a 73% recycling rate.
The 73% is considered a big success! Despite this though it still means over £50 million worth of aluminium packaging is being wasted each year.
Over £20 million was made up by liquid packaging & drink cans alone with the rest comprising of more specialist areas like aluminium laminated packaging pouches for storage use.
Interestingly the research stated that in order to preserve quality and value aluminium must be extracted from the general waste management system.
The more it is contaminated by other materials the more expensive it is to process it.
It is possible to recycle aluminium packaging materials many times over without the loss of quality. This should be greatly encouraged as mining and extraction of original raw materials is becoming ever more expensive, energy intensive and wasteful.
Aluminium packaging recycling can minimise these costs.
Indeed it seems like a sure route to a greener UK!
Latest in the Recycling of Aluminium Foil Packaging
In the United Kingdom, the world of aluminium foil packaging recycling often resembles a cryptic puzzle. Labelling on products sometimes seems like you need a doctorate in signs & symbols to understand. On the other hand, the accessibility of kerbside collections feels like you need a subscription first before you can enjoy the benefits.
Consumers want to make environmentally responsible decisions. But they feel that access to recycling centres has become difficult. This becomes difficult for those without personal vehicles. Consequently, in many homes, packaging accumulates. Another issue is the accumulation of toothbrushes and pet food packages. What are the possible actions regarding this difficult-to-recycle packaging?
The mere mention of pizza boxes can stir up spirited debates. These challenges collectively lead to disheartening questions. Is recycling a futile try? Could be that individual efforts may ultimately culminate in landfill sites overseas?
Libby Peake, a representative from the Green Alliance, expresses the general sentiment. "We've made things more complicated than ever." This complexity frustrates the public, especially those who opt to choose the right ways of recycling.
Glimmers of Hope
However, amid this prevailing frustration, there are glimmers of hope. Still, the progress seems agonizingly slow. As Steve Eminton from "Let's Recycle", reminds us, "For the last 10 years, some communities don’t collect and recycle yogurt and milk bottles." Currently, the government is evaluating the recommendations for consistent collections." The public expects everything to be collected for recycling.
Deposit Return Scheme
Another scheme is the deposit return system. With this scheme, consumers pay a deposit for plastic bottles and containers. The scheme will launch in 2024 in the UK. Scotland is set to implement its own scheme, including glass, as early as August 2023.
AI Sorting Systems
Additionally, technological advancements promise to revolutionise recycling. These include:
- AI-enabled sorting systems
- apps enabling users to scan bottles, cans, and other packaging for proper disposal
- innovative watermarking techniques for materials.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
What can you do as consumers to help in this endeavour? First, it's essential to shift our focus away from recycling as the primary solution. Recycling should be the last trump card. Second, the most significant impact lies in waste reduction. Whenever possible, everyone should adopt a strategy of reducing, reusing, and recycling. Avoid Wish-cycling
Another key aspect to consider is avoiding "wish-cycling." This practice is the hopeful desire that an item can be recycled. It often results in more complications than simply disposing of the item in the trash. Lastly, maintaining pressure and accountabilities on government units, manufacturers, and retailers should remain.
Positive changes will not occur unless we actively demonstrate our desire for them. Recycling and sustainability are not solitary endeavors; they are a collective responsibility that necessitates continuous commitment and innovation.
