Boosting the collection rate of beverage containers is a key element of the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Legislation (PPWR), which mandates a 90% collection rate for all plastic or metal single-use beverage containers. While progress is evident with plastic beverage bottles, beverage cans continue to pose a significant challenge.
In 2023, approximately 62% of beverage cans were selectively collected, primarily via the blue PMD bag system. This gap highlights the considerable effort required to achieve the 90% target by 2029. It is essential to contextualise these figures and explore the factors contributing to this shortfall.
Beverage cans are emblematic of on-the-go, occasional consumption. As a result, cans frequently end up in public bins or with residual waste. However, this does not mean that the steel and aluminium are lost and the materials are not recycled.
Impact of consumption patterns
First and foremost, it is essential to map out the trends in consumption moments and occasions. Beverage cans are emblematic of on-the-go, occasional consumption. Typically purchased away from home, they are consumed in one go and quickly discarded. Unlike resealable bottles, no one wants to carry around a partially empty, leaky can. As a result, cans frequently end up in public bins or with residual waste. Selective collection is not always feasible in these outdoor or mobile settings.
High material circularity
However, this does not mean that the steel and aluminium are lost and the materials are not recycled. Household and residual waste is incinerated, and any steel or aluminium present is subsequently recovered from the incinerator ash. In other words, even when beverage cans are not selectively collected, they are still recycled, ensuring high material circularity.
In 2023, Belgium recycled approx. 90% of all aluminium packaging and 99% of all steel packaging on the market. These figures include not only beverage cans but also other packaging items like tins and trays. For Fost Plus members, the recycling rates reach 94% for aluminium and 105% for steel, as these numbers also account for packaging materials collected from non-members’ products in the Belgian market or purchased by consumers abroad.
Developing a standardised European calculation method for beverage cans is essential. This will not only create a level playing field across Europe but also provide clearer insights into the effectiveness of current collection practices.
Need for a legislative framework
A key challenge in streamlining the collection rate of beverage cans is the absence of a dedicated European calculation method for cans. Unlike beverage bottles, which benefit from a standardised approach under the Single Use Plastics Directive (SUPD).
In the absence of a specific legal framework for cans, Fost Plus applies the same principles used for bottles, such as adjusting for moisture and product residue left in the cans. This workaround, however, hampers the ability to accurately compare member states against the PPWR targets.
Additionally, Belgium has established further targets through the Interregional Cooperation Agreement (ICA) and adopted a specific calculation method approved by the Interregional Packaging Commission (IVCIE). Since 2022, the ICA has aimed for a combined 90% collection and recycling target for all beverage packaging. Consequently, Fost Plus reports figures using two different calculation methods, in line with both Belgian and European legislation.
Outlook
Achieving the 90% collection rate target by 2029 will require several coordinated steps.
• First, developing a standardised European calculation method for beverage cans is essential. This will not only create a level playing field across Europe but also provide clearer insights into the effectiveness of current collection practices.
• Second, there is a need for enhanced awareness campaigns to educate consumers on the importance of properly sorting beverage cans. Educational programmes and awareness-raising initiatives are encouraging better sorting habits but also reduce the proportion of beverage cans in litter.
• Third, continued investment in infrastructure is crucial to ensure that effective sorting is accessible anytime and anywhere.