MPMA parliamentary exhibition highlights circularity

The Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association (MPMA) is hosting a special exhibition in Parliament’s Upper Waiting Hall throughout the week of 17 November to highlight the circularity and innovative spirit of the UK’s metal packaging sector.

The exhibition titled “A circular icon – the innovative spirit of metal packaging,” supported by Perran Moon MP, celebrates metal packaging and its role as one of the most resilient, innovative and sustainable packaging solutions shaping our everyday lives.

Jason Galley, director and chief executive of the MPMA, explained: “MPMA’s parliamentary exhibition is an opportunity to underline the unique circularity credentials of aluminium and steel packaging while celebrating the environmental leadership of MPMA’s members.

“We’re providing a snapshot of the remarkable world of metal packaging, revealing how its recycling, food sustainability and environmental credentials quietly support UK society.”

Metal packaging sets a high benchmark for recycling performance and through its Permanent Material status naturally aligns with the principles of the circular economy. Key to the exhibition’s messaging is the latest government packaging statistics. The data indicates metal packaging achieves a recycling rate of 80.4% with steel recorded as the most recycled packaging material at 86.6%.* In addition, the aluminium beverage can is recognised as the UK’s most recycled beverage format with a recycling rate of 81%.**

The exhibition highlights how the sector through innovation and environmental responsibility is powering decarbonisation, from reducing raw materials and advancing resource efficiency, through to renewable energy and low carbon aluminium and steel. This is against the backdrop of the sector leveraging high recycling rates to increase recycled content and producing packaging solutions that provide the ultimate protection against water, light and air.

Perran Moon MP, who represents Camborne, Redruth and Hayles, a constituency steeped in the legacy of tin mining and extractive industries, commented: “Metal packaging is a model of permanence and resilience illustrated by the fact that it has a packaging recycling rate exceeding 80%. The sector stands at the forefront of the UK’s green industrial revolution while supporting food security, reducing waste and creating skilled jobs across the UK.

“The MPMA exhibition highlights how circularity and innovation combine to meet the challenges of resource efficiency and I commend the MPMA and its members for their leadership.”

Geoff Courtney, chair of MPMA, said: “MPMA’s members include some of the most recognisable names in both UK and global manufacturing, spanning the entire metal packaging ecosystem. Through the exhibition we are demonstrating the role our members play, from production to supply chain, in supporting UK circularity and decarbonisation goals.”

*Gov.uk provisional 2024 figures/Packaging Waste Database and Reported Packaging Data 

** Every Can Counts 2024