Metal packaging — primarily aluminium beverage cans and steel food cans — is subject to the PPWR's deposit return scheme requirements and EPR obligations. Aluminium and steel are highly recyclable materials with established recycling infrastructure across the EU.
Deposit Return Scheme Scope
Metal beverage cans up to 3L are within the mandatory DRS scope under the PPWR. Member states must include metal cans in their DRS by 2029. Aluminium cans are already included in DRS in Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and the Netherlands, achieving collection rates above 90%.
Recycled Content
The PPWR does not set mandatory recycled content thresholds for metal packaging. However, aluminium beverage cans typically contain 50–70% recycled aluminium, and steel food cans contain 25–50% recycled steel. The aluminium and steel industries have committed to increasing recycled content as part of their climate transition plans.
Lightweighting
The PPWR's minimisation requirements apply to metal packaging. Aluminium can manufacturers have progressively reduced can weight through lightweighting. Modern aluminium beverage cans weigh approximately 10–12g, down from 15g in the 1990s. Further lightweighting is constrained by structural integrity requirements.