STEEL for Packaging Europe will mark the organisation’s 40th anniversary this year with a series of events.
At the heart of the programme will be the publication of a new recycling status report, examining the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and which will provide policy recommendations aimed at keeping packaging steel in a circular loop for as long as possible.
The move follows the publication of previous reports in 2018 and 2022, reflecting significant changes in the packaging landscape and continued legislative evolution.
The new report will be launched at an event, Shaping Europe’s Circular Future, hosted by SfPE in Brussels on April 21.
Steve Claus, secretary general of Steel for Packaging Europe, said, “This anniversary year represents a significant milestone for the association and there is no doubt that steel’s legacy positions it as a leader in the evolution of more sustainable packaging. After four decades of progress, steel packaging stands as a model for circular transformation – exceeding recyclability requirements with record-breaking recycling rates and favouring local recycling within a closed material loop.
“There is no doubt that steel will remain a trusted choice for modern, safe and sustainable packaging. To ensure this, the EU must maintain a strong, competitive European steel industry and safeguard secure, local supply chains. This is not only an environmental imperative but a strategic one for Europe’s circular future.”
The event will address policy adjustments needed to accelerate circularity, including incentivising high-quality recycling and examining how Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems must evolve to support a truly circular European economy
The year has also been marked with the development of a new SFPE anniversary logo and the creation of a dedicated area on the association’s website, highlighting key moments in the development of steel packaging.
Mr Claus added, “Since 1986 when the association was founded, the industry has undergone a remarkable degree of transformation while the recycling rate for steel packaging in Europe has risen continuously. This is testament to the unique properties of steel which offers outstanding performance at all stages throughout the value chain, and to the commitment of stakeholders across the industry to achieve a more sustainable future.”
