Aluminum, 68.2% of packaging recycled in Italy in 2024

In 2024, the recycling rate of aluminum packaging stood at 68.2%, down two percentage points compared to 2023 and almost five compared to 2022. A result, explains Cial, the national aluminum packaging consortium, «linked to the expansion of the reporting scope provided for by the new European regulations, which also include aluminum present in composite packaging. A methodological change that modifies the historical comparison and marks the beginning of a new measurement standard. Data that confirm how the supply chain is able to satisfactorily absorb increasing quantities of input (+8.5% compared to 2023) through a collection, selection and treatment system that is now consolidated throughout the national territory». These numbers exceed the EU recycling targets for 2025 (50%), and still anticipate those set for 2030 (60%).

On the beverage can front, the recycling rate stands at 86.3%, compared to a +16% in the cans released for consumption. "A result that, despite highlighting a percentage contraction compared to the previous year (-8%), certifies the efficiency and reactivity of the national system, capable of promptly managing a significant increase in volumes. These are performances comparable to those of European countries with security deposit systems, confirming the validity and reliability of the Italian model based on separate waste collection", comments Cial.

The consortium also calculated the environmental benefits of these results. In 2024, thanks to the recycling of over 62,400 tons of packaging, the emission of approximately 442 thousand tons of CO₂ equivalent was avoided and energy savings of 197 thousand tons of oil equivalent were achieved. In fact, recycled aluminum requires only 5% of the energy needed to produce the primary metal.

The consortium system overseen by Cial currently has 432 active agreements and a coverage that today reaches 78% of the Italian population and 70% of municipalities. "The 2024 data confirm the solidity and maturity of the Italian model for managing aluminum packaging, among the most virtuous and efficient in Europe. Even in light of the adaptation to the new European calculation criteria - which expand the scope of input to include aluminum present in composites - the supply chain continues to guarantee high performance, with absolute volumes of recycled material constantly growing. A concrete example: with a per capita consumption of approximately 1.45 kg of aluminum packaging, our system manages to recover and valorize over 1 kg per citizen. This is a result of cooperation between citizens, institutions and businesses, which demonstrates how it is possible to combine environmental sustainability, economic effectiveness and social inclusion. It is now important that European policies recognize and enhance the already consolidated models, rewarding those who achieve results through innovation, shared responsibility and efficient supply chain governance", comments Carmine Bruno Rea, President of Cial.