3.5.2 Tinplate

3.5.1

ALUMINIUM

CLOSURE

DECORATION

MATERIAL

MATERIAL

The aluminium used should only consist of non-ferrous (NF) metal components in order to prevent contamination in recycling. In a best case, it concerns a mono-material package in which all components are made of aluminium. A lacquer coating does not interfere with the conventional recycling process.

In the recycling process of aerosol cans, an additional treatment step is required, w hich is why the design is rather disadvantageous.

Aerosol cans with non-hydrocarbon-based propellants are preferable.

Spray systems with pump sprayers are refillable and propellant-free and can offer an alternative to aerosol cans, provided that individual parts made of other materials (e.g. plastic caps) can be easily separated in the recycling process.

Foreign bodies made of other materials such as 'widget' nitrogen balls in beer cans, plastic caps and valve caps should only be used when necessary.

Embossing does not have a negative impact on recycling. Direct printing on the packaging should be carried out with EuPIA -compliant coatings and printing inks.

Aerosol cans with hydrocarbon-based propellants and spray cans with high residual contents are particularly problematic.

DECORATION AND OTHER COMPONENTS

Non-compliant inks can reduce the quality of the secondary material.

PVC labels should be avoided, as they cause problems during processing in the recycling process

CLOSURE SYSTEM

Closure systems made of aluminium can be recycled together with the base material and are, therefore, to be preferred.

Plastic caps and valve caps should be designed in such a way that they can be separated before disposal or during the sorting process.