Since the European Commission (EC) announced its new Circular Economy Package (CEP) last December, the subject has dominated the packaging, waste and sustainability agenda in Brussels and elsewhere.

Apprehension, scepticism and debate about the package are understandable given the importance of the breakthrough. In particular, varied stakeholder groups are raising questions about how achievable the proposed recycling targets are.

However, we at APEAL recognise that moving closer towards a circular economy is more realistic than many think – and the steel for packaging industry is leading the way. The recycling targets proposed for steel within the circular economy package are ambitious but achievable: 75% by 2025 and 85% by 2030, for all member states.

The average steel packaging recycling rate in Europe is currently 75% (based on 2013 figures). Some member states such as Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands already recycle more than 90% of the steel packaging they use. And the Circular Economy Package’s split recycling target for metals will foster greater understanding of the recycling performance of individual metals.

Currently, the CEP is with the European Parliament. As it passes through this parliamentary process, we will continue to ensure understanding and support for steel as a sustainable and resource efficient packaging solution.

Steel is recognised by the European Environment Agency as an example for resource efficiency (SOER 2015 report). We will actively raise awareness and knowledge about the best steel recycling practices in Europe that have enabled this.

For EU-level political impetus is essential if we are to drive wider use of sustainable materials such as steel. National governments must properly encourage increased recycling rates. In parallel, manufacturers must privilege recyclable materials into their design and production processes. And brands need to accentuate their environmental credentials as consumer environmental awareness increases.

Only when market demand takes over, can a circular economy really begin to take effect.

“Steel - the Permanent Material in the Circular Economy” micro-site has been launched by worldsteel.

Birthdays and anniversaries: a time to celebrate, reflect and look forward for all of us.

Here at APEAL, with our 30th anniversary coming up in April, we’re getting ready for two exciting projects to illustrate the past, present and future story of steel for packaging.

APEAL was founded in 1986 by the predecessor companies of ArcelorMittal, Tata Steel and thyssenkrupp Packaging Steel, joined subsequently by U.S. Steel Kosice.Together they aimed to ensure recognition by canmakers, retailers, brands and policy makers alike of the qualities and benefits of using steel for packaging.

Since then we’ve made great progress in creating EU-wide awareness of steel as a unique packaging material, combining exceptional performance capabilities with unrivalled environmental credentials.

Our impressive recycling rate continues to rise. In parallel, the European Commission is encouraging the move towards a more resource efficient Europe through its Circular Economy Package. In this context our two new initiatives will, amongst other things, help highlight how steel packaging enables this circular economy.

The first campaign, “30 years – 30 facts about steel”, is a light and bitesize campaign to remind our stakeholders and newer audiences of the remarkable qualities of steel packaging. Each day of our April anniversary month we will publish one key fact about steel on our social media pages @APEAL_EU on Twitter and APEAL on LinkedIn.

The second campaign will investigate the future of the packaging industry in the eyes of four industry experts in the fields of environment and recycling, food and nutrition, packaging design and logistics and transport. We’ll be asking them to predict trends and analyse the landscape ahead, mapping out likely effects of the current Circular Economy Package on their four fields.

We very much hope you’ll enjoy both features and invite you to join us all at APEAL in looking forward to an equally successful next 30 years.

Recent research from Germany has highlighted the extent to which steel cans protect valuable nutrients in food, retaining product freshness as well as flavour. All with an unrivalled shelf life of up to three years and without adding preservatives.

The research, carried out in 2015 by SGS Fresenius Institute in Germany has confirmed that vegetables stored in steel cans contain vitamin and mineral levels that are just as high as freshly cooked vegetables.

Undertaken on behalf of “Initiative Lebensmitteldose” (food can initiative) – a partnership between 10 German manufacturers in the food and packaging industries – the report showed that in some cases, nutrients were even higher within canned vegetables than their freshly prepared counterparts.

This new European research backs up previous research on the nutritional value of canned food from research centres in the U.S.

In 2015 Dr. Marjorie Freedman, Associate Professor at the San Jose State University presented research showing that adults who eat canned fruits and vegetables consume more fruits and vegetables than those who do not eat canned varieties. They also have an increased intake of some essential nutrients, including fiber and potassium.

In 2012 Dr. Cathy Kapica (adjunct professor of nutrition at Tufts University) concluded that canned foods were a more convenient source of essential nutrients compared to fresh, frozen or dried when purchase price, waste and preparation time are taken into account. Her findings were published in the Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences.

These findings come as no surprise to APEAL, of course. They only cement arguments we’ve been making for 30 years.

Canned food enriches your daily diet in a convenient and healthy way.

This study could prove another vital step in getting the information across to brands and, ultimately, consumers.

For more information on the report, visit www.initiative-lebensmitteldose.de

For more information on the U.S. research visit www.mealtime.org