Trivium Packaging is a member of the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative, a working group established by Alupro (the aluminium packaging recycling organisation) in September 2022, with the clear ambition of increasing aerosol recycling rates across the UK.
The group has already undertaken extensive research to define a baseline recycling rate for aluminium aerosol containers, launched a new consumer engagement campaign for local authorities and pioneered an industry roadmap to guide the changes required to increase national aerosol recycling rates.
With activity accelerating and a number of exciting projects set to be unveiled within the coming weeks, Trivium's sustainable partnership & ecosystem director, Alice Bazzano, gave insight into this project.
"A true sustainable future cannot be built by only one company. Therefore, businesses need to work together with value chain partners to create solutions that continuously improve environmental impact," she said.
"Sustainability is at the heart of all we do, making us the natural partner for both up and downstream businesses aiming to achieve ambitious sustainability goals through our metal packaging solutions. We know from our Buying Green Report (consumer research that focuses on consumers' perceptions, values, and behaviours regarding sustainable packaging) that there are misconceptions about what is truly able to be recycled. What’s more, for many consumers, recycling can be confusing.
"For all these reasons, we’ve partnered with the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative and others around the world to help make sure that aerosols are actually being recycled and that precious materials are not being wasted. This can be as simple as educating consumers, or as complex as developing recycling capabilities where they previously haven’t existed. Every effort matters."
Long-term investment
Bazzano added that it is a multi-year project, with the most significant results being seen in the future.
"Our goal is to increase the recycling rates of aerosols and that will be the metric of our success. Our roadmap includes several initiatives, including understanding the current baseline, as an essential requirement to have a crystal clear picture and be able to assess progress towards improving this figure."
Roadmap
Following the launch of a roadmap, Bazzano said that it is crucial to establish a strategic framework that can guide the industry towards valuable solutions.
"The roadmap has been instrumental in illuminating the significance, attainability, required resources, and interconnections among potential initiatives, all while aiding in their prioritiaation," she said.
It serves as a foundational stepping stone and a guiding light, driving efforts towards a future where consumers can effecticvely recycle their aerosol cans, Bazzano continued.
Current focus
In terms of the group's current work, Bazzano said there are a range of initiatives in focus, with a specific emphasis on prioritising the establishment of a solid baseline and effective consumer communication.
"The way we convey our message to consumers, including on-pack labeling, holds significant sway over the ultimate outcomes we achieve," she said.
"Naturally, we’re also dedicated to closely monitoring evolving regulations and the implications that measures such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and deposit return schemes will impose on the aerosol industry. Though there is still much to be done, we are eagerly anticipating the unfolding of these impactful initiatives.
"Over the coming months, we’re set to be involved in some big announcements from the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative. In the meantime, it’s fair to say that the group has already made great strides towards addressing a number of barriers, as well as increasing national awareness of how best to recycle empty aerosol containers," she concluded.
This material was sourced from triviumpackaging.com
