UK Recycled Over 157,000 Tonnes of Aluminium Packaging in 2024, Reports Packaging News
According to figures published by Packaging News, the UK recycled a total of 157,049 tonnes of aluminium packaging in 2024—a significant milestone that reflects both industry efforts and consumer engagement in the circular economy.
Steady Growth in Aluminium Recycling
The data, sourced from the Environment Agency’s National Packaging Waste Database, reveals a strong year for aluminium recycling. In the final quarter of 2024 alone, the UK recycled 41,252 tonnes of aluminium packaging. This includes beverage cans, food trays, foil, aerosols, and other forms of household and industrial aluminium waste.
While the 2024 total fell slightly short of the previous year’s record (which saw over 162,000 tonnes recycled), the figures still surpass all aluminium packaging recycling targets set for the year—marking a positive outcome for the sector.
Aluminium: A Circular Material
Aluminium remains one of the most recyclable materials used in packaging, with the added benefit of being infinitely recyclable without loss of quality. According to Packaging News, aluminium recycling has a 95% energy saving compared to producing new aluminium from raw materials, which plays a critical role in reducing emissions across the packaging lifecycle.
Rick Hindley, executive director at Alupro, described the results as “testament to the ongoing commitment of consumers and the wider packaging supply chain,” noting that aluminium continues to perform strongly under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks and deposit return scheme (DRS) planning.
Deposit Return and Collection Schemes on the Horizon
With the UK planning to roll out a deposit return scheme in the coming years, aluminium is poised to become even more recoverable. Its durability and value make it an ideal candidate for circular systems. Alupro and other trade bodies continue to lobby for streamlined kerbside collection schemes that make recycling more accessible to households.
What It Means for the Packaging Industry
Zoompack, like many in the packaging industry, is watching these trends closely. While our core focus remains on plastic and hybrid tray sealing systems, aluminium plays an increasingly important role in the broader packaging ecosystem—particularly where recyclability and sustainability are concerned.
As the regulatory environment shifts and consumer demand for environmentally responsible packaging grows, materials like aluminium are expected to see greater adoption across sectors.
Source: Packaging News, “UK recycles 157,049 tonnes of aluminium packaging in 2024” (06 October 2025).