Italy’s aluminium can recycling rates exceed European targets

The recycling of aluminium packaging in Italy remains consistently above European targets: by 2025, the national system will not only meet the EU’s 2025 target (50%), but will once again exceed the 2030 target (60%) as well, thanks to a well-established supply chain capable of handling growing volumes.

This is confirmed by the data presented during the Annual General Meeting of CIAL – the Italian Aluminium Packaging Consortium – which confirmed the consolidation of a mature industrial system capable of handling increasing quantities of material whilst ensuring environmental standards of excellence.

Growth in volumes, stable performance

In 2025, the recycling rate for aluminium packaging stood at 69.5%, close to the 70% average of recent years, with an overall recovery rate of 72.9%. The slight decrease of two percentage points compared to the adjusted 2024 figure (71.4%) does not reflect a deterioration in performance, but is a direct consequence of the 7% increase in the quantities of packaging placed on the market, which in turn resulted from an improved economic climate and the application of new adjustments in the calculation of the amount placed on the market, including the proportion of aluminium present in composite packaging. The 65,000 tonnes of recycled packaging represent the highest level in recent years, with a 4.2% increase compared to 2024.

These figures confirm that the sector is able to satisfactorily absorb increasing quantities of packaging placed on the market through a collection, sorting and treatment system that is now well-established throughout the country. Taking into account the management of composite waste and the methodological adjustments introduced by the new European regulations, the overall recycling rate for aluminium packaging would amount to 72%.

Beverage cans: 92.8% recycling rate

When it comes to beverage cans, Italy remains one of the most efficient countries in Europe. The recycling rate for this specific type of packaging will reach 92.8% in 2025, an increase of 5.5 percentage points compared to the previous year. This result is achieved thanks to the dedicated procedure for determining the recycling rate of cans launched by CIAL in 2021 and shared with Conai.

In Europe, the average recycling rate for beverage cans in deposit-based systems is currently around 92%, while the overall average rate, including both deposit-based and separate collection systems, stands at 75%.

Lower emissions, greater energy savings

The recycling of aluminium packaging is one of the most significant contributions to the green transition. In 2025, thanks to the recycling of 65,000 tonnes of packaging, the emission of approximately 460,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalents was avoided and energy savings equivalent to 205,000 tonnes of oil were achieved. These figures are higher than the previous year’s, thanks to the increased quantities recycled.

A widespread and strategic local presence for the environment

The CIAL consortium system continues to strengthen its widespread presence across the country, with 429 active agreements and coverage now reaching 79% of the Italian population and 71% of municipalities. The number of residents served is growing, particularly in the North, with around 600,000 more residents than in 2024, confirming the strength of partnerships with local operators and the ability to operate effectively even in small towns.

European regulatory framework

On 22 January 2025, Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR) was published in the Official Journal of the EU; it entered into force on 11 February 2025 and will apply from 12 August 2026. The new regulatory framework will introduce significant changes in the packaging sector, from design right through to recycling systems. CIAL is actively engaged in national and international working groups to ensure a smooth transition and build on the achievements already made by the Italian system.

Among the most significant issues is the introduction of harmonised environmental labelling, which must be present on all packaging by 12 August 2028 to inform consumers about the correct disposal method. CIAL is already working in collaboration with European institutions to anticipate the new standards, it says.