Steel is the most recycled sales packaging material in Europe, with a recycling rate of 84% in 2024.
This is a 2-percentage point increase compared to 2023 and confirms that steel for packaging continues to be the most widely recycled sales packaging material in Europe.
In the UK 86.5% of steel food cans, aerosols, paint tins and more are recycled into new steel products.
(source: Steel for Packaging Europe)
As a material steel is recycled more than any other material in the world. It is a permanent material that can be recycled over and over again with no loss of quality.
Steel recycling saves resources and reduces CO2 emissions, energy consumption and water usage. According to worldsteel, more than 22bn tonnes of steel have been recycled worldwide since 1900 – resulting in significant energy and raw material savings.
Tata Steel supplies tinplate packaging material. We offer an optional passivation process to stabilise the tinplate surface for extended shelf life.
In common with other tinplate manufacturers, we have historically adopted a process that involves the use of hexavalent chromium. REACH, the European Union regulation on chemicals, is banning the use of hexavalent chromium compounds from tinplate production processes.
As members of Steel for Packaging Europe, we are working with other European tinplate producers to introduce an alternative, standard, hexavalent chromium-free passivation process. You can read more about it on our Tinplate product page. Information regarding this and compliance with REACH regulations is available from:
We believe it is vital that legislators, policy makers and key decision-makers in the packaging chain understand steel's performance as a packaging material.
We co-operate with industry partners on a national level through the Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association in the UK. On an international level, we work with Steel for Packaging Europe in engaging with political institutions and communications activity.
Within the tin supply chain, Tata Steel UK cooperates with industry bodies, including the International Tin Association (formerly ITRI) and the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), to support responsible mineral sourcing and to avoid the use of minerals originating from conflict-affected and high-risk areas in our products.
EN-Packaging-Product-Protact TSUK
Protact laminated steel is food-safe and optimised for efficient, sustainable canmaking with opportunities for differentiated brand performance.
EN-Packaging-Technology TSUK
Our Product Development team draws on a solid foundation in metallurgy, the latest developments in coatings and can-making technology.
EN-Packaging HUB TSUK
We make steel for packaging. Our specialist steels are designed for food and drinks cans, aerosols, paint tins, luxury packaging and more.
EN-Packaging-Contact TSE
Packaging
Trostre Works
Llanelli
Carmarthanshire
SA14 9SD
United Kingdom