Current Recycling Rates: Tinplate Maintains Its Lead - Enhanced Methodology Guarantees more Comparable Rates
Recyclability, resource efficiency, and the ability of packaging materials to participate in a closed material cycle have emerged as critical criteria for assessing material sustainability. Among the most significant indicators are recycling rates and material recyclability, as recyclable packaging conserves both energy and primary resources. This holds especially true for tinplate packaging, as its near 100% recyclability into new high-quality steel products substantially reduces CO2 emissions.
The findings from the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) consistently identify packaging steel products as recycling champions. According to the 2021 survey, tinplate in Germany achieves a recycling rate of 90.2%, as mandated by the German Packaging Act. "According to the latest findings, tinplate stands out as one of the most recyclable materials, aligning perfectly with the circular economy. In Germany, we have maintained a stable rate of over 90% for the past 15 years," stated Andreas Knein, General Manager of DWR - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Weißblechrecycling mbH, a subsidiary of tinplate manufacturer thyssenkrupp Rasselstein GmbH.
A New Approach for Calculating Recycling Rates
Traditionally, recycling rates were determined using the quantity leaving the lightweight packaging sorting facility or entering the first recycling plant. However, the EU's Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/665 now focuses solely on the quantity actually sent for recycling, excluding additional losses such as product adhesions and non-packaging materials. This shift in calculation method reveals the following recycling rates for other packaging materials: aluminum 94.2%, liquid packaging board 74.9%, plastic 63.5%, and glass 85.0%.
Under the new methodology, composite packaging and materials from multiple categories are recorded and reported according to their constituent materials. As a result, liquid packaging board is no longer considered individually but proportionally represented within the paper, plastic, and aluminum segments. According to the latest report from industry organization APEAL, the recycling rate for tinplate in the European Union (EU) as a whole stands at 78.5% using this new approach.
Tinplate Leads in Recycling with the New Method
The revised calculation methodology shifts the calculation point for determining recycling quantities to the input into the final recycling operation. This change significantly impacts recycling rates for various packaging materials. Accordingly, the recycling rates are as follows: tinplate 84.5%, aluminum 62.4%, plastic 48.4%, and glass 80.3%.
Knein highlighted tinplate's superior recyclability, attributing it to the material's intrinsic properties and the efficiency of recycling procedures. Tinplate's magnetic properties facilitate rapid and cost-effective sorting, while its suitability for multi-recycling ensures its sustained contribution to a closed material cycle. "Tinplate is virtually 100% recyclable, without quality reduction, making it a permanent material in a closed loop," emphasized Knein.
Resource Conservation Through Recycling
Each cycle of tinplate recycling conserves resources and reduces CO2 emissions compared to primary production. Recycling one ton of steel and iron scrap saves 1.6 tons of iron ore, 0.65 tons of coal, and 0.3 tons of limestone. Using scrap in steel production also consumes up to 70% less energy than primary production, further reducing emissions associated with tinplate products.
Continued Efforts in Waste Separation Education
Despite the high recycling rates for packaging steel, there is a need for ongoing efforts to improve waste separation education.