Aluminum packaging recycling, italy top in the eu
65,000 tons recycled, a 92.8% increase in cans. 460,000 tons of CO2 avoided and 205,000 tons of oil equivalent saved.
ALUMINUM RECYCLING: ITALY LEADS IN EUROPE
Italy remains among the most virtuous countries in Europe in aluminum packaging recycling. In 2025, the national recycling rate reached 69.5%, far exceeding the European target of 50% and five years ahead of the European Union’s 2030 target of 60%.
The data, presented during CIAL’s annual public meeting, highlight the strength of a consolidated supply chain capable of handling increasingly high volumes. Overall aluminum packaging recovery reached 72.9%, confirming a stable average of around 70% recorded in recent years
65,000 TONNES RECYCLED IN 2025
In 2025, 65,000 tons of aluminum packaging were recycled, the highest rate in recent years and a 4.2% increase compared to 2024. The slight decline in the percentage rate compared to 71.4% the previous year is primarily due to the 7% increase in packaging placed on the market and the introduction of new calculation criteria that also include aluminum in composite packaging.
The result for beverage cans is particularly significant. With a recycling rate of 92.8%, an increase of 5.5 percentage points, Italy ranks among the most efficient European countries in the recovery of this type of packaging.
LESS CO2 THANKS TO THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
The increase in recycling activities has produced significant environmental benefits. In 2025, the recovery of aluminum packaging avoided the emission of approximately 460,000 tons of CO2 equivalent and saved energy equivalent to 205,000 tons of oil equivalent.
The consortium system is also strengthening, with 429 active agreements now covering 79% of the Italian population and 71% of municipalities. The results achieved confirm the maturity of the Italian aluminum packaging management model, capable of combining environmental sustainability, economic efficiency, and shared responsibility along the entire supply chain.

