Public opinion in Europe is increasingly in favor of metal packaging. People are becoming more aware of the negative consequences associated with the use of non-sustainable types of packaging. As a result, they are increasingly inclined to actively choose products that they know are manufactured sustainably, can be recycled, and are better for the environment than plastic packaging. One of the major factors driving this trend is the public’s growing exposure to information that presents recyclable metals as a sustainable form of packaging.
Metal Packaging Europe is an organization dedicated to increasing the use of metal packaging in Europe, for both industrial and consumer products. To this end, it fosters connections among manufacturers, suppliers, national associations, and consumers. Metal Packaging Europe provides extensive information on the benefits of using metal packaging and is actively involved in European Union policy to promote more sustainable legislation. Currently, one of its main priorities is the use of its “Recycles Mark.” ” The “Recycles Mark” logo may be used on metal packaging that meets Metal Packaging Europe’s criteria and indicates that the product is recyclable. Metal Packaging Europe’s criteria for using this logo are that the product must be made from recyclable metals (iron or aluminum), that the logo must be placed in a location specified by Metal Packaging Europe, and that it must feature a design and color predefined by Metal Packaging Europe. Furthermore, Metal Packaging Europe reserves the right to remove the logo from any product it deems not to meet the criteria [1,2,3]. You can find more information on the use of the “Recycles Mark” logo here: https://www.metalpackagingeurope.org/recyclesmark.
Metal Packaging Europe hopes that this logo will help consumers better understand the role they play in recycling metal products. By recycling metal products, the raw material can be reused to create new products in the future. The logo also highlights the intrinsic value of metal recycling, thanks to the enduring properties of its basic elements. The logo gives manufacturers the opportunity to demonstrate that their products are made from recyclable and sustainable metals, and enables consumers to make informed purchasing decisions [1,2,3].
The “Recycles Mark” logo is currently used for metals that break down into aluminum and iron components [3]. Some common examples include tinplate, steel, and aluminum alloys. Both steel and tinplate are composed primarily of iron. Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, while tinplate consists of steel with an additional layer of tin. The other components—often magnesium, zinc, or copper—provide different properties depending on the product’s requirements [4]. Aluminum and iron are the focus of the “Recycles Mark” logo because they are the two metals most commonly used in packaging and can be easily recycled.
The message conveyed by Metal Packaging Europe through the “Recycles Mark” is extremely important, as recycling drastically reduces the energy required to produce metal packaging. Recycling and reusing aluminum requires 95% less energy than the energy needed to mine and process aluminum ore. One metric ton of recycled aluminum equates to an energy savings of 14,000 kilowatt-hours, which is enough to power approximately 1.5 U.S. households for a year. In addition to this energy savings, one metric ton of recycled aluminum also saves 40 barrels of oil and 10 cubic yards of landfill space [5]. Oil is a non-renewable resource that has many proven negative effects on the environment, the best known being its impact on climate change. Landfills are becoming increasingly full and can be harmful to the local ecosystem. Recycling tinplate and steel does not generate as much energy savings as recycling aluminum, but the savings are still significant. One metric ton of recycled steel or tinplate saves 642 kilowatt-hours, 1.8 barrels of oil, and 4 cubic yards of landfill space. Globally, steel is currently recycled at a rate of 80%, which generates enough energy savings to power 18 million households for one year [5,6,7].
In addition to its environmental benefits, using the “Recycles Mark” logo also benefits manufacturers. The logo attracts consumers and enhances product visibility. Consumers who are already environmentally conscious are drawn to companies that share their concerns. Consumers who are not yet aware of environmental issues, meanwhile, are exposed to the benefits of using recyclable tin and aluminum containers. In the long term, these consumers may in turn become more aware of these issues and will then purchase products that align with these values. The “Recycles Mark” logo is a way for companies to reach their audience, help the environment, and increase their sales.
The “Recycles Mark” logo serves as a way to connect manufacturers and consumers, who are often so far apart. It works subtly to ensure that both groups understand the benefits of recycling, to remind consumers to buy products made from recyclable metals, to boost product sales, and to help manufacturers meet their energy efficiency goals. By bringing these two parties closer together, there is real hope that metal will become the preferred choice for commercial and industrial packaging in Europe.
References
[1] "Metal Packaging Europe gives Europe’s rigid metal packaging industry a unified voice" (retrieved May 2019), by Metal Packaging Europe.
[2]"Recycles Mark Off-Pack Guidelines. Recycles Mark Off-Pack Guidelines" (retrieved May 2019), by Metal Packaging Europe.
[3]"Recycles Mark On-Pack Guidelines, Recycles Forever Mark" (retrieved May 2019), by Metal Packaging Europe.
[4] "Toward a Greener Soda Can - NYTimes.com" (retrieved June 2012), by Matthew L. Wald.
[5]"FAQ: Benefits of Recycling," by Stanford University, California.
[6] "Steel is the World's Most Recycled Material" (accessed April 2019), by the Steel Recycling Institute.
[7] “Component End-of-Life Management: Exploring Opportunities and Related Benefits of Remanufacturing and Functional Recycling,” by Derek Diener and Anne-Marie Tillman.
