Metal Aerosol Recycling: A Key Challenge and Opportunity for the UK
With over 650 million metal aerosols used annually in the UK, improving their recycling rates has become a significant challenge – one that is crucial for both environmental sustainability and the circular economy.
Aluminium packaging currently boasts a high recycling rate of 68%, largely driven by the successful recycling of beverage cans. To significantly increase this figure, focusing on aerosols will be key in achieving our broader recycling goals.
Joining a major partnership
Led by Alupro, the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative brings together partners from across the aerosol value chain. As a key processor of reclaimed aluminium packaging, Tandom is proud to join forces with industry leaders such as Suez recycling and recovery UK, Ball Aerosol Packaging, Trivium Packaging, the British Aerosol Manufacturers’ Association (BAMA), packaging compliance scheme Ecosurety, consumer brand Henkel, valve manufacturer LINDAL Group, The Materials Processing Institute, waste company CleanEco and processors of reclaimed metal Tata Steel.
Alupro’s research highlights that public uncertainty remains a significant barrier, with 18% of the population admitting they discarded aerosols in their general waste in 2023. Clearer guidance on proper disposal and recycling processes is crucial to addressing this issue and ensuring aerosols are diverted from landfill.
How the project will work
The UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative will begin by gathering data and developing case studies in collaboration with three local authorities, focusing on improving the capture, sorting, and processing of aerosols. This will form the foundation for a wider effort to enhance kerbside recycling systems and educate the public on the benefits of aerosol recycling – and as one of the partners in the scheme, here at Tandom, we look forward to increasing our involvement in improving the sustainability of UK aerosol packaging.
Mike Dines, Director of Tandom Metallurgical Group, commented: “This initiative marks a critical step forward for UK packaging sustainability. With ambitious goals and a collaborative approach, we’re confident in our ability to push beyond the already commendable 68% recycling rate for aluminium packaging. As one of the UK’s leading aluminium processors, Tandom is committed to supporting this initiative and encouraging everyone to play their part in making aerosol recycling the norm.”
Tom Giddings, Executive Director at Alupro, also commented: “This cross-industry collaboration brings together partners from across the aerosol value chain including packaging manufacturers, waste managers, brands, technologists and recyclers. Our collective aim is to ensure that recycling empty aerosols becomes as normal for consumers as recycling a drinks can or bean tin, and to create a blueprint for how aerosols should be collected, sorted and recycled so that they can contribute to the metals circular economy.
We are delighted that Tandom Metallurgical Group are part of the steering group for the project, representing aluminium recyclers in the UK and ensuring that the end product of the process is presented in the best way possible for recyclers.”
