Packaging
2008 initiatives to further stimulate can recycling
Wednesday 02. April 2008 - The European Aluminium Association (EAA) in conjunction with Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation Ireland (ALUPRO-Ireland) has launched the 2008 initiatives to further stimulate can recycling in Ireland. Given the increasing sales of aluminium beverage cans and foils onto the Irish market, there is an ever increasing need to raise awareness and stimulate recycling.
In 2007, initiatives with leading Irish nature preservation organisation An Taisce during National Spring Clean saw the collection of over 4,350 cans by Holy Cross Mercy National School during national spring clean week alone. The school received a prize of 1,000 euros, which they have used to develop their outdoor green areas for students.
REPAK (the Irish Green Dot-based packaging recycling organisation) National Recycling Week saw the start of a campaign to increase foil and tray recycling in the green bin with the Wash, Squash and Pop drive for restaurants and take-aways, urging them to clean their trays out and place them in the green bin and encouraging their customers to do the same, by placing a permanent on-counter sign showing them what to do.
In 2008, the EAA and ALUPRO-Ireland have teamed up again with An Taisce for the National SpringClean, with a similar competition to last year aimed at collecting as many cans as possible for recycling, we have provided information leaflets on aluminium recycling and an improved carbon footprint, for further information on the initiative (please log on to: http://www.nationalspringclean.org/current-competitions.php).
This is a special year for the Tidy Towns Competition, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of this nationally recognised and accredited Competition. The EAA is sponsoring an Aluminium Art Competition, incorporating as many cans and foils as possible, as part of the Tidy Towns initiative, details and an application form shall be distributed to the 2,500+ applicants to the Tidy Towns Competition. Anyone wishing for further information should contact Alupro (Ireland), details below or Tidy Towns Competition, Customs House, Dublin 1, for an application form.
Key facts & figures on aluminium packaging recycling:
* Over 95 per cent of aluminium packaging is primary consumer packaging, from the well-known drinks can or takeaway container, through to the foil, which wraps a bite-size chocolate or the lid on a pot of yogurt.
* Aluminium is used in packaging for its unsurpassed barrier properties, and for its clean modern look. All plain or lacquered aluminium is 100% recyclable, saving up to 95% energy – time and time again.
* Ample reprocessing capacity and secure end-markets are available: drinks cans can be recycled, made into new cans, filled and put back on the shelf in just 60 days.
* In 2006, 3,534 tonnes of aluminium were recycled up from 2,825 tonnes in 2005 (Source: REPAK)
* The official aluminium packaging recycling rate in Ireland is 33% in 2006 (with a tonnage increase of 11% over 2005 EPA figures), with the cans-only recycling rate estimated to be close to 50%.