Ball Packaging and Alupro partnered three years ago to tackle the barriers to aerosol recycling in the UK. Although aerosols are widely accepted for recycling, there are high levels of consumer confusion and collection rates are often well below 50%.
Together we formed The UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative, or UKARI, and have since attracted project partners from the UK aerosol manufacturing and recycling supply chain. Following a comprehensive study which established a baseline recycling rate for aerosols collected from households, explored consumer behaviours and current sorting and treatment technology; we developed our ‘Roadmap to higher aerosol recycling rates’ in 2023 and using this as our guide have embarked on a series of projects to future-proof the recycling of aerosols in the UK.
Panel session content
Tom Giddings: Introduction to the UKARI project, an overview of the current situation for aerosol recycling including our recent study with consultancy Resource Futures and the challenges we face as an industry.
Predrag Ozmo: Providing an manufacturers perspective on the importance of improving aerosol collection rates.
Henkel: Providing a brand-owners perspective on the importance of clear consumer communication such as on-pack labelling, Henkel’s current sustainability strategy and the benefits industry collaborations such as the UKARI project.
Tom Merry: To provide an overview of the multi-year project they are deploying on behalf of the UKARI project. This includes a year-long sampling exercise across three UK local authorities to establish the recycling rate of aerosols in each area. We will trialling new consumer communications to inspire behaviour change amongst residents and record the results.
