pressrelease
Contact: Diana Caldwell
Tel: 01527 597757
September 14th, 2009
New Initiative to Boost Metal Recycling Rates
A new initiative to encourage all local authorities to collect empty
aerosols and clean aluminium foil alongside food and drink cans is being launched this autumn.
The initiative, which is co-funded by Unilever, the British Aerosol Manufacturers' Association (BAMA) and foil companies Coppice Alupack, Nicholl Food Packaging and Jena, will be operated by not for profit organisation Alupro, with the aim of developing the full potential of aerosol and foil recycling.
The first phase of the plan will be to talk to local authorities and waste management companies about the reprocessing opportunities for
mixed cans, aerosols and foil, as well as the higher value routes for
cans with aerosols, and separate clean foil.
The initiative will be supported by a local communications programme, with a national consumer campaign to be launched by Unilever next year.
Although 67% of local authorities now accept empty aerosols for
recycling in their kerbside systems, latest consumer research shows
that only 39% of those surveyed think they can recycle in their area, while 84% of those not currently recycling them say they would recycle them if the facility was available in their area.
Responses to questions on foil recycling reveal that 70% of those surveyed know that the material is fully recyclable, while only 59% say they are able to recycle locally. Of those not currently recycling foil, and where the facility is not available, 85% say they would recycle clean foil if they could.
The environmental benefits of recycling metals are well understood, with 75% of respondents knowing that energy and carbon emission savings achieved through recycling metals are significant or good.
Alupro executive director Rick Hindley says: "It is clear from the consumer research that householders want to recycle both empty aerosols and clean foil, and it has never been easier for local authorities and waste management companies to handle the material effectively."
Matt Close, VP marketing of Unilever says: "As the largest anti-perspirant and deodorant manufacturer in the UK, we take our sustainability responsibilities seriously and are very pleased to be working with Alupro and BAMA to increase the aerosol recycling awareness of consumers."
Ian Helme, commercial director of Coppice Alupack says: "It's good to see that our work in Alupro to promote foil recycling has achieved good levels of awareness of the material's recyclability. The task now is to encourage all local authorities to see the benefits of adding foil and aerosols to their recycling collection services so we can give a real boost to recycling rates."
