Article from Packaging Speaks Green - 20 May 2025
An efficient, extensive collection system that is among the most virtuous in Europe. This refers to Italy for the recycling of aluminium packaging, which in 2024 confirms not only the full achievement of the EU targets for 2025 (50%), but also anticipates once again those set for 2030 (60%).
This is attested by the data presented during the Annual Public Meeting of CIAL – Consorzio Nazionale Imballaggi Aluminio (the National Aluminium Packaging Consortium), during which the renewal of the Board of Directors and the re-election of Bruno Rea as President of the Consortium were officially announced.
2024 Data in Italy: Apparent Downturn, Real Growth and Efficiency
In 2024, the recycling rate of aluminium packaging stood at 68.2%, with an overall recovery of 71.7%. The slight drop of two percentage points compared to 2023 does not reflect a deterioration in performance, but is linked to the expansion of the reporting scope provided for by the new European standards, which now also include aluminium present in composite packaging. This change in methodology marks the beginning of a new standard of measurement.
The data confirms the ability of the Italian supply chain to efficiently absorb the increase in market supply (+8,5% compared to 2023) thanks to a collection, selection and processing system that is now consolidated at the national level.
Italy remains among the most efficient countries in Europe on the beverage can front too, with a recycling rate of 86.3%, despite a significant increase (+16%) in product in circulation. Although there is a percentage decrease compared to the previous year (-8%), these results certify the efficiency and reactivity of the national system, capable of managing an increase in quantities in a timely manner.
The Environmental Value of Recycling: Less Emissions, More Energy Saved
The recycling of aluminium packaging represents one of the most significant contributions to the ecological transition. In 2024, thanks to the recycling of over 62,400 tons of packaging, about 442,000 tons of COâ‚‚ equivalent were avoided, with an energy saving of 197,000 tons of oil equivalent.
The environmental advantage is even more significant, considering that recycled aluminium requires only 5% of the energy needed to produce primary aluminium. An advantage that transforms every used packaging unit into a reusable resource and underlines how aluminium recycling is not only a sustainable choice, but also a concrete investment for reducing emissions and saving energy.
A Widespread and Strategic Territorial Environmental Protection Agency
The CIAL consortium system continues to strengthen its presence throughout the national territory, with 432 active agreements, reaching 78% of the Italian population and 70% of municipalities. This coverage is essential to collect, select and recycle large volumes of aluminium, generating concrete benefits for the environment.
"The 2024 data confirms the solidity and maturity of the Italian aluminium packaging management model, among the most virtuous and efficient in Europe – Carmine Bruno Rea, President of CIAL, stated. "Even in the face of the adaptation to the new European calculation criteria, which expand the scope of products by including aluminium in composites, our system continues to guarantee high performance, with volumes of recycled material constantly growing. This result is the fruit of effective cooperation among the public sector, the private sector and individuals, demonstrating how it is possible to combine environmental sustainability, economic effectiveness and social inclusion. Now it is important that European policies recognise and promote these already established models, rewarding those who achieve results through innovation and shared responsibility " – Rea concluded.