The recycling rate for beverage cans stands at 92.8%, in line with the best European deposit-refund schemes.
65,000 tonnes of aluminium packaging sent for recycling in 2025: over 460,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalents avoided and energy savings of 205,000 toe.
Market volume up by 7%: the Italian collection and recycling system continues to absorb growing volumes with stable and well-established performance.
The recycling of aluminium packaging in Italy remains consistently above European targets: by 2025, the national system will not only meet the EU’s 2025 target (50%), but will once again exceed the 2030 target (60%) as well, thanks to a well-established supply chain capable of handling growing volumes.
This is confirmed by the data presented during the Annual General Meeting of CIAL – the Italian Aluminium Packaging Consortium – which confirmed the consolidation of a mature industrial system capable of handling increasing quantities of material whilst ensuring environmental standards of excellence.
Growth in volumes, stable performance
In 2025, the recycling rate for aluminium packaging stood at 69.5%, close to the 70% average of recent years, with an overall recovery rate of 72.9%. The slight decrease of two percentage points compared to the adjusted 2024 figure (71.4%) does not reflect a deterioration in performance, but is a direct consequence of the 7% increase in the quantities of packaging placed on the market, which in turn resulted from an improved economic climate and the application of new adjustments in the calculation of the amount placed on the market, including the proportion of aluminium present in composite packaging. The 65,000 tonnes of recycled packaging represent the highest level in recent years, with a 4.2% increase compared to 2024.
These figures confirm that the sector is able to satisfactorily absorb increasing quantities of packaging placed on the market through a collection, sorting and treatment system that is now well-established throughout the country. Taking into account the management of composite waste and the methodological adjustments introduced by the new European regulations, the overall recycling rate for aluminium packaging would amount to 72%.
Beverage cans: 92.8% recycling rate, on a par with deposit schemes
When it comes to beverage cans, Italy remains one of the most efficient countries in Europe. The recycling rate for this specific type of packaging will reach 92.8% in 2025, an increase of 5.5 percentage points compared to the previous year. This is an extraordinary result, achieved thanks to the dedicated procedure for determining the recycling rate of cans launched by CIAL in 2021 and shared with Conai.
These results demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the national waste management system, based on separate collection and recycling, which is capable of achieving results equal to – and in some cases exceeding – those of European countries that have adopted the deposit-refund system for several years. In Europe, the average recycling rate for beverage cans in deposit-based systems is currently around 92%, whilst the overall average rate, including both deposit-based and separate collection systems, stands at 75%.
The environmental benefits of recycling: lower emissions, greater energy savings
The recycling of aluminium packaging is one of the most significant contributions to the green transition. In 2025, thanks to the recycling of 65,000 tonnes of packaging, the emission of approximately 460,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalents was avoided and energy savings equivalent to 205,000 tonnes of oil were achieved. These figures are higher than the previous year’s, thanks to the increased quantities recycled.
A result made possible by the extraordinary efficiency of aluminium: recycled metal requires just 5% of the energy needed to produce primary aluminium. An environmental benefit that transforms every piece of used packaging into a veritable reserve of reusable energy, confirming aluminium recycling as a concrete investment in reducing climate-changing emissions, conserving natural resources and improving energy efficiency.
A widespread and strategic local presence for the environment
The consortium system continues to strengthen its widespread presence across the country, with 429 active agreements and coverage now reaching 79% of the Italian population and 71% of municipalities. The number of residents served is growing, particularly in the North, with around 600,000 more residents than in 2024, confirming the strength of partnerships with local operators and the ability to operate effectively even in small towns.
242 member companies.
429 affiliated operators, 248 collection centres and 11 smelters across the country ensure the collection, processing, recycling and recovery of aluminium.
5,640 municipalities (71% of Italian municipalities) collaborate with CIAL on the separate collection of aluminium packaging, under the ANCI-CONAI Framework Agreement, across the whole of Italy. This involves 46.3 million citizens (79% of the Italian population served).
Quantity of aluminium packaging placed on the Italian market: 93,500 tonnes.
Recycling of 65,000 tonnes of aluminium packaging, equal to 69.5% of the market. Recycling rate for beverage cans: 92.8%.
Total recovery of aluminium packaging in Italy (recycling rate + packaging sent for energy recovery): 68,200 tonnes, equivalent to 72.9% of the total placed on the market.
Energy recovery: 3,200 tonnes (thin packaging sent to waste-to-energy plants).
CO₂ emissions avoided thanks to recycling: 460,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.
Energy savings: 205,000 tonnes of oil equivalent.
New European regulatory framework: CIAL ready to meet the challenges of the PPWR
On 22 January 2025, Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR) was published in the Official Journal of the EU; it entered into force on 11 February 2025 and will apply from 12 August 2026. The new regulatory framework will introduce significant changes in the packaging sector, from design right through to recycling systems. CIAL is actively engaged in national and international working groups to ensure a smooth transition and build on the achievements already made by the Italian system.
Among the most significant issues is the introduction of harmonised environmental labelling, which must be present on all packaging by 12 August 2028 to inform consumers about the correct disposal method. CIAL is already working in collaboration with European institutions to anticipate the new standards.