Sustainable Packaging Practices: How Brands Can Choose Eco-Friendly Metals

When you think about packaging, the first image that probably comes to mind is cardboard boxes, plastic wrap, or maybe glass bottles. But metals have been quietly playing a big role in packaging for decades — from aluminium drink cans to steel food tins. Now, as sustainability becomes more than just a buzzword, businesses across Australia are rethinking how they use metals to make their packaging greener.

The good news? Metals like aluminium and steel are some of the most recyclable materials on the planet. Unlike plastic, which degrades after being recycled a few times, metals can be melted down and reused endlessly without losing their quality. That makes them a powerful choice for companies looking to cut waste and reduce their carbon footprint.

Why Metals Are a Sustainable Packaging Choice

One of the biggest strengths of metals is their recyclability. In Australia, aluminium cans are recycled at high rates, and they can be back on the supermarket shelf in as little as 60 days. That kind of turnaround is hard to beat.

Steel, too, has its perks. It’s tough, durable, and perfect for long-life products like canned food. It’s also magnetic, which makes it easy to separate from other waste during the recycling process. The result is less contamination and higher recycling efficiency.

But the sustainability benefits go beyond recyclability. Metals often provide excellent protection, meaning less product waste from spoilage or damage. Think of it this way: if a tin of tomatoes lasts longer on the shelf, that’s fewer resources wasted overall.

Choosing the Right Eco-Friendly Metals

Not all metals are created equal, and brands need to weigh up which material works best for their product and their sustainability goals.

• Aluminium: Lightweight, highly recyclable, and perfect for drinks, food trays, and even cosmetic packaging. Because it’s so light, aluminium also reduces transport emissions. Companies like Coca-Cola Amatil in Australia have been shifting more of their packaging into recycled aluminium to cut down on plastic waste.
• Steel: Strong and protective, making it ideal for canned foods, paint tins, and aerosol containers. Steel recycling rates are consistently high, making it a safe bet for companies looking to reduce landfill impact.
• Recycled Content: A growing trend is using metals that already contain a high percentage of recycled material. This not only keeps costs down but also reduces the need for virgin mining, which can be energy-intensive.

Real-World Shifts Toward Eco Packaging

Here in Australia, we’ve seen some great examples of brands taking sustainable packaging seriously. Take Lion, the beverage company behind Tooheys and XXXX. They’ve been investing heavily in recycled aluminium cans as part of their sustainability commitments. Similarly, local craft breweries are increasingly opting for cans over bottles because cans are lighter, easier to stack, and more recyclable.

Outside the beverage industry, even cosmetic and skincare brands are moving toward metal tins and aluminium tubes to reduce single-use plastics. These small changes add up and send a clear message to consumers who are actively looking for greener products.

The Role of Recycling Services in Closing the Loop

Of course, choosing eco-friendly metals is only half the story. Recycling services play a critical role in making sure those cans, tins, and tubes actually get reused. In Australia, scrap metal recycling companies help businesses keep valuable materials out of landfill by collecting, sorting, and processing them for reuse.

For brands, building a relationship with local recyclers isn’t just good for the planet — it can also make economic sense. Metals hold value even as scrap, so companies can often offset some of their packaging costs by recycling production waste or damaged stock.

How Brands Can Get Started

If you’re a business owner or decision-maker wondering how to make packaging more sustainable, here are some steps to consider:

1. Audit your current packaging – figure out how much is plastic, how much is metal, and what can be swapped.
2. Talk to suppliers – ask about options with higher recycled content.
3. Partner with recyclers – find a local metal recycling service (like ours) that can help manage and repurpose waste efficiently.
4. Educate customers – encourage recycling with clear messaging on your packaging. A simple “Please recycle this can” goes a long way.

Moving Forward Together

Sustainability isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. By choosing eco-friendly metals and working with recycling partners, Australian businesses can cut waste, lower emissions, and meet growing consumer demand for greener products.

And here’s the best part: it’s not just good for the planet, it’s good for business too. Customers are increasingly loyal to brands that make real, visible commitments to sustainability. Switching to smarter packaging is one of the most practical, impactful steps any company can take.

So next time you crack open a cold can of soda or stack tins in your pantry, remember — those humble bits of metal could be part of a bigger story. A story where businesses, recyclers, and customers all play a role in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable Australia.

 

If you are in Clayton, and looking for a metal recycling service, this is the best way to visit us.

Super Metal Recycling

345 Frankston – Dandenong Road, Dandenong South VIC 3175

(03) 9706 4909

www.supermetal.com.au