Brussels, March 2025   

Metal Packaging Europe (MPE) acknowledges the potential of the European Commission's Steel and Metals Action Plan to support metal industries. However, MPE is disappointed that the plan does not fully recognise the needs of downstream users or support the competitiveness of the entire value chain.

Metal packaging is one of the most visible metal products, engaging European consumers in recycling and providing high-quality scrap as secondary raw materials. Preventing scrap leakage outside the EU via export fees, as proposed in the Action Plan, is crucial as this leakage hinders the potential for the aluminium and steel industries to decarbonise through higher circularity. As part of the value chain, metal packaging is essential to deliver European climate and competitiveness goals.

Metal packaging achieves some of the highest recycling rates in Europe, with steel packaging surpassing 80% and aluminium beverage cans reaching 75%. Recycled metal is a valuable circular resource that remains available for future generations. Recognising the importance of metal packaging in addressing energy costs, supporting decarbonisation, and enhancing the competitiveness of the steel and aluminium industries would significantly strengthen the Action Plan.

Simplifying the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) for finished and semi-finished products is crucial to reduce the administrative burden on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, expanding the scope of CBAM is essential to prevent circumvention by importing finished metal products. Trade defence measures on steel and aluminium should ensure protection for the entire metal value chain, including downstream products, to prevent circumvention of these measures and support competitiveness.

In conclusion, MPE CEO Krassimira Kazashka emphasises: "MPE looks forward to collaborating with the European Commission to ensure the metal packaging industry remains competitive and strengthens the European economy. The new Circular Economy Act should reward high-quality recycling and closed material loops for permanent materials like aluminium and steel, which can be recycled repeatedly without losing their inherent properties. Future trade policy measures must address the entire value chain, including downstream metal packaging products. We are ready to support the Commission and offer proposals to achieve these goals."

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MPE is the united voice of Europe’s rigid metal packaging industry (steel and aluminium), bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, and national associations (metalpackagingeurope.org). We proactively position and support the positive attributes and image of metal packaging through joint marketing, sustainability and technical initiatives. Metal packaging actively contributes to the Circular Economy and supports numerous value chains and applications including  beverages, food, chemicals, aerosols and others.

For further information: info@mpe-eu.com