Steel packaging recycling reaches new record high

Steel for Packaging Europe (SfPE) has confirmed that steel packaging has once again achieved a new record EU recycling rate. The latest figures, calculated using the EU’s harmonised methodology which accurately reflects the amount of packaging recycled at the entrance of recycling operations, confirm that 84% of steel packaging placed on the market was recycled in 2024.

It stands as the highest ever EU recycling rate for steel packaging and as the drive to achieve a circular economy gathers momentum, the new record marks a major milestone in the sector’s collective efforts to close the material loop.

Steve Claus, secretary general of SfPE, said: “Circularity is now critical to ensure EU resource efficiency and competitiveness. This record recycling rate of 84% is an achievement which the sector can take great pride in. But it is also a milestone which highlights the significance of steel scrap as a strategic resource. Indeed, recycled steel packaging is vital for the sustainable production of new steel products and makes a significant contribution to conserving valuable resources, simultaneously helping to ensure EU steel for packaging remains competitive on global export markets.”

It is a two-percentage point increase compared to 2023 and confirms that steel for packaging continues to be the most widely recycled sales packaging material in Europe, already meeting the strictest recyclability criteria as set in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The announcement follows SfPE’s publication of its latest Recycling Report, further reinforcing steel for packaging’s leadership in compliance, recycling and circularity.

Claus added: “Packaging and recycling legislation continues to evolve, and the Association remains focused on the policy structures that identify and regulate the steel for packaging environment and on technical developments in steel recycling processes.

“The importance of optimising collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure will continue to be central to our work, and the adoption of SfPE’s 2026 Recycling Report recommendations will be integral to collectively build a greener, more sustainable future for Europe. Meanwhile, the new record EU recycling rate stands as testimony to what can be achieved through the collaborative efforts of our members and stakeholders throughout the value chain, to achieve greater circularity and close the material loop.”

The importance of steel packaging’s role in a circular economy cannot be overstated and SfPE has said will continue to work in close partnership with relevant EU institutions to support the effective implementation of Europe’s circular economy framework.