The “UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative” was introduced by Alupro

Ball Aerosol Packaging, the British Aerosol Manufacturers’ Association (BAMA), Ecosurety, a packaging compliance scheme, The Metals Processing Institute, Suez Recycling and Recovery UK, and Tandom Metallurgical Group Ltd, processors of reclaimed aluminium, are just some of the partners involved in the working group for this initiative.

The change will spur higher recycling rates throughout the UK by raising public understanding and acceptance of aerosol recycling.

The goal of the research is to make metal aerosols recyclable and economically viable when extended producer responsibility (EPR) and deposit return scheme (DRS) have been phased out.

The multi-sector effort will take a three-pronged approach to its goals of educating consumers about best recycling practises, establishing a baseline recycling rate and roadmap for achieving higher future rates for aerosol recycling in the UK, and securing significant long-term investment into recycling infrastructure.

“The project is crucial in pushing further advances in recycling, addressing both consumer education and the role of government and industry agencies,” said Predrag Ozmo, head of sustainability at Ball Aerosol Packaging. We as a culture have finally realised that the traditional, linear economic model is obsolete. There is no denying the importance and benefits of transitioning to a circular economy.

“Many of the barriers preventing aerosols from being recycled are well-known,” said Robbie Staniforth, Ecosurety’s head of innovation and policy. “What is less evident is how those barriers may be removed.” In the future, substantially better recycling rates for aluminium packaging will be possible thanks to this programme.

According to Tom Giddings, Alupro’s director of operations, “Aerosprays consistently top WRAP’s yearly list of confusing consumer package types in reference to recycling. Our industry has set a goal of increasing the aerosol recycling rate to at least 50% by the year 2030, therefore this effort is vital.

As part of this programme, we will be collaborating closely with our partners to change consumer behaviour and build out a more robust aerosol recycling system across the United Kingdom. These reforms in the metal packaging sector will help ensure a more sustainable future for the industry as a whole and put us one step closer to achieving our goal of a 100% recycling rate for metal packaging.###