The 72% figure placed steel far ahead of other packaging materials such as plastic, beverage cartons and glass, which had recycling rates of 30%, 34% and 67% respectively.

Belgium is also the champion of steel recycling for the 9th consecutive year, with a 98% recycling rate, according to figures from the Association of European Producers of Steel for Packaging.

Germany and the Netherlands follow closely behind, with figures of over 87%, while the UK comes in at 60%.

The past year has seen noticeable increases in recycling rates among countries such as Poland, which achieved an increase of 20% in its steel recycling rate.

Maxine Perella

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