Sustainability & Recycling It is a well known fact that metal packaging is one of the most sustainable and recyclable materials available in the packaging world.

A Permanent Material that Recycles Forever

Metal is a permanent material, unlike plastic it can be infinitely recycled into new products without degrading in quality. Metal recycling is a closed-loop system which does not require new virgin material in order to be viable. The more that old products are recycled at the end of their lifespan, the less energy-intensive metal we have to produce from newly mined ore.

The Most Recycled Packaging

Research suggests that up to 80% of all metal ever produced is still being continually recycled into new products, far ahead of other popular packaging materials such as plastic.

In Europe we recycle 80.5% of all steel packaging produced each year, a target that was met by the industry three years ahead of its 2020 deadline. There are also wide-ranging commitments to improve this figure further by reducing the amount of metal sent to landfill. There is no reason that 100% of all metal packaging could not be recycled in the future.

Energy & Emissions

Using recycled metal reduces energy consumption, raw material usage, and co2 emissions.

• 1 tonne of recycled steel requires up to 95% less energy than producing 1 tonne from raw materials
• Recycling 1 tonne of used steel saves 2 tonnes of raw materials.
• The metal packaging industry has reduced its co2 emissions by 95% since 2000

RLM Recycling Policy

All scrap metal generated during our manufacturing process is collected on-site and sent directly for recycling.

We are also a registered member of Wastepack, to help us ensure compliance with packaging waste regulations. You can view our registration certificate here.

ISO Environmental Accreditation

RLM Packaging is ISO 14001 certified. ISO 14001 provides a set of tools and standards to assist companies in managing their environmental responsibilities.

Learn More

For further information see:

• www.steelforpackaging.org
• www.metalpackagingeurope.org/sustainability
• www.mpma.org.uk/sustainability
• Details of ISO 14001 Standards
• Steel packaging industry meets target 3 years ahead of schedule