25 EN PRIMER PLANO I IN THE FOREGROUND metal para preservar alimentos y vitaminas ayuda directamente a reducir el desperdicio alimentario, otro de los grandes objetivos de la política medioambiental europea. • Comunicación al consumidor: a través del sello “Metal Recycles Forever”, la industria fomenta que los consumidores identifiquen y valoren el impacto positivo de elegir envases metálicos. CONCLUSIÓN: UN HORIZONTE DE CRECIMIENTO SOSTENIBLE La industria de envases y cierres metálicos está más unida que nunca y lista para la acción. Los retos regulatorios y comerciales se están transformando en motores de innovación que impulsan envases más ligeros, procesos más limpios y sistemas de reciclaje de circuito cerrado más efectivos. En definitiva, el sector del envase y cierre metálico no solo está preparado para cumplir con el nuevo Reglamento de Envases y Residuos de Envases, sino que está liderando el camino hacia una Europa donde la eficiencia de los recursos y la protección del medio ambiente sean la base de una industria fuerte y competitiva. In light of the implementation of the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the steel and aluminum packaging and closure industry projects an optimistic vision based on the intrinsic properties of its materials and a clear roadmap towards sustainability. A PERMANENT MATERIAL FOR A CIRCULAR FUTURE The sector's greatest strength lies in the nature of its materials. Metal is recognized as a “permanent material, ” meaning it can be recycled infinitely without losing its mechanical or quality properties. This characteristic gives metal packaging and closures —from beverage and food cans to aerosols and closures—a competitive advantage over other materials in meeting the strict objectives of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Currently, metal is considered the most circular packaging material, with outstanding recycling rates for both steel and aluminum beverage cans. This reality allows the industry to face new regulatory requirements not as a burden, but as an opportunity to demonstrate that the majority of the metal historically produced is still in circulation today, saving significant amounts of energy compared to primary production. THE SECTOR'S CHALLENGES: INNOVATION AND COMPETITIVENESS Despite its favorable position, the industry identifies significant challenges that it is proactively addressing. One of the main challenges is ensuring that Europe remains a competitive manufacturing environment. It is vital to create conditions that make European production a competitive advantage, preventing the industry from relocating outside the Union's borders. Another fundamental challenge is decarbonization. To this end, the sector has already launched an ambitious roadmap toward net-zero emissions by 2050, focused on four strategic pillars: 1. Aluminum sourcing: scaling up low-emission production and maximizing the use of recycled content. 2. Packaging manufacturing: advancing energy efficiency and lighter designs. 3. Transport and Logistics: Reduce emissions through more efficient, lower-carbon logistics. 4. Recycling: Strengthen circularity through high-performance collection systems, including Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) for aluminum beverage cans. PPWR IMPLEMENTATION: A TRANSITION TO EXCELLENCE The metal packaging and closure industry welcomes the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation with a collaborative attitude, while also remaining hopeful about the various implementation steps that now need to be taken. The sector is working with institutions to advance an agenda that prioritizes circularity, safety, and competitiveness. In any case, the sector faces the implementation of the regulation from a position of strength thanks to: • Facilitated separation: Post-consumer metal packaging is easily separated from waste streams, guaranteeing high-quality raw material for recycling. • Product protection: Metal's ability to preserve food and vitamins directly helps reduce food waste, another key objective of European environmental policy. • Consumer communication: Through the “Metal Recycles Forever” label, the industry encourages consumers to identify and appreciate the positive impact of choosing metal packaging. CONCLUSION: A HORIZON OF SUSTAINABLE GROWTH The metal packaging and closure industry is more united than ever and ready for action. Regulatory and commercial challenges are being transformed into drivers of innovation that are driving lighter packaging, cleaner processes, and more effective closed-loop recycling systems. In short, the packaging and metal closure sector is not only prepared to comply with the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, but is also leading the way towards a Europe where resource efficiency and environmental protection are the foundation of a strong and competitive industry.
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