Could Aluminium be the Answer to Reducing Plastic Waste?

The recycling rate for aluminium beverage cans in the European Union, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland has reached 74.6%, according to a study by Metal Packaging Europe and European Aluminium.

This shift comes as businesses increasingly move away from plastic, responding proactively to impending EU regulations focused on reducing plastic waste, thereby fostering more resilient supply chains.

The pressure to adapt to these EU regulations is compelling many within the procurement sector to transition from plastic to aluminium packaging.

European directives set effective 2030 require that all packaging achieves at least 70% recyclability, pushing upwards to 80% by 2038.

This initiative encourages reduced waste and a decrease in the consumption of raw materials, a significant factor for procurement strategists.

In this evolving landscape, certain companies see this as a strategic move towards competitive advantage, while others are still cautious.

A packaging shift

As documented, the quantity of aluminium recycled from cans marked a record high with 580,000 tonnes in 2024, an improvement of 10,000 tonnes.

This surge contributed to a greenhouse gas (GHG) saving of 5.4 million tCO₂e.

The National Packaging Waste Database underscores the higher recyclability of aluminium, noting a recycling rate of 81% compared to 52% for plastic.

Aluminium’s intrinsic recyclability makes it a desirable material in procurement planning, with applications expanding to toiletries, condiments and wines, thus influencing sourcing choices.

Design innovations

Meadow, a Swedish packaging innovator, emerged in 2020. Focused on maximising existing supply chains and recycling infrastructures, the company is investing in circular packaging solutions.

By re-engineering the aluminium can into reusable forms with added features like pumps, sprays and twist lids, they aim to broaden aluminium’s applicability.

Victor Ljungberg, Meadow’s Co-Founder and CEO, says: "We realised the greenest container already exists – the aluminium can. So, we thought, 'what do we need to do to take it to new industries?'"

Ball Corporation supports this initiative by supplying Meadow with cans for their dispensers. Meanwhile, food brands like DOZZ are introducing recyclable chilled soups in aluminium, with the wine industry transitioning to aluminium for its logistical benefits — it's lighter and thus, more eco-efficient in transport.

Aldi and Vinca spearhead this transition with own-label and organic wine offerings, respectively.

Barriers in supply chains

Despite incentives, the procurement of aluminium poses barriers.

The material, though lighter than glass and capable of reducing emissions by 900 grams of CO₂e, is energy-intensive during production—double that required for producing glass—and costs up to four times more.

As Mark Lansley, CEO of Broadland Drinks, adds: "We've got to get over this cost. We've got to sell the benefits and better spell out the lower carbon footprint that aluminium has."

He highlights the cultural challenge of adapting consumers to aluminium in traditional contexts.

Jamie Stone from PA Consulting stresses the visual disconnect aluminium presents: "In many categories, consumers want to see the product they're buying, whether it's the colour of a juice, the consistency of a lotion or the thickness of a sauce. Aluminium's opacity removes that visual connection."

As procurement leaders evaluate options, the approach to aluminium might determine their operational adjustments as EU deadlines approach.

While challenges exist, the strategic choice to switch to aluminium could redefine procurement practices and promote sustainability across supply chains in accordance with regulatory pressures.