Preparing for a Sustainable Future in Metal Packaging

As environmental pressures grow and packaging legislation tightens, the metal packaging industry continues to adapt and innovate. With a long-established recycling infrastructure and commitment to sustainability, metal—especially tinplate packaging—remains a highly viable solution for the future.

Robert Fell, Director and CEO of the Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association (MPMA), highlights the core advantages of metal packaging, particularly steel-based formats like tinplate. “Metals are permanent materials, which means they can be recycled over and over again without loss of quality,” he says. “That’s a significant benefit when looking at long-term environmental strategies.”

The industry’s ability to recycle tinplate into new packaging within just a couple of months creates a truly circular model. Tinplate is widely used for food cans, aerosols, and household goods—and its magnetic properties make it easy to sort for recovery and recycling, which contributes to the UK’s leading metal packaging recycling rates.

Collaboration and Innovation

For MPMA members, collaboration across the supply chain remains critical. From brand owners to manufacturers, raw material suppliers to decorators, every part of the chain has a role in delivering sustainable packaging. Many MPMA members are engaged in initiatives to improve can design, reduce weight, and lower carbon emissions—all of which are highly relevant for tinplate-based formats.

Bill Boyd, Commercial Director at Eviosys, points to their “Preserve” range of food cans as a successful example. “We are reducing environmental impact through lightweighting and reducing our use of coatings containing BPA,” he explains. Eviosys has significantly increased the use of tinplate packaging across its product lines, particularly in categories where recyclability and product protection are both essential.

Meeting Regulatory Demands

With the EU and UK introducing more stringent rules on packaging materials, including restrictions on BPA and extended producer responsibility (EPR), packaging made from tinplate is well-positioned to comply thanks to its material integrity and food-contact safety. MPMA has been active in supporting members in these transitions and in working with regulatory bodies to ensure realistic implementation timelines.

Fell notes: “Our sector’s responsiveness to regulation is strong. We’ve led the way in developing compliant coatings and ensuring metal remains not just relevant but essential.”

Changing Consumer Habits

Consumer awareness is also influencing the market. People want sustainable, safe, and attractive packaging—and they want to know it’s actually recycled. Tinplate packaging, often used in food, beverage, and personal care sectors, delivers on all fronts.

“It’s not only recyclable; it is recycled,” says Fell. “In the UK, nearly 80% of steel packaging—including tinplate—gets recycled. We are proud of those figures.”

Future Outlook

Metal packaging, with tinplate at its core, is well-aligned with future sustainability goals. Its permanent material status, compatibility with food-grade applications, and high recycling rates make it a natural fit for circular economy models.

For Fell and the MPMA, it’s all about continuing that momentum. “We’re future-ready,” he concludes. “The innovation is here, the infrastructure is here—and we’re proud of the role tinplate packaging will continue to play.”