The Association of European Producers of Steel Packaging (APEAL) has compiled data on the recycling of steel packaging in EU Countries. The data shows that EU countries recycled 55% of steel used for packaging in 2001, a figure that exceeds the targets set by the European Commission.

Exploring the figures in more detail, countries in southern Europe have made notable progress since 2000 - their gains have pushed the UK down to third last in the EU league comparing the amount of steel packaging recycled in each country. Countries that have overtaken the UK include Italy which increased its recycling rate by 18 points to 44%, Spain, which increased its recycling rate by 13 points to 46% and Ireland, which increased its recycling rate from 16% to 66%, although some of this increase is due to the improved statistical coverage of the recovery of industrial steel packaging.

Belgium, with 88%, Luxembourg and Germany with 78%, the Netherlands and Austria with 77%, Sweden with 71% and Switzerland with 70% remain the leading countries for steel packaging recovery Norway Denmark and France each achieved around 55%, followed by the United Kingdom with 37%, Portugal with 28% and Finland with 25%. Overall the amount of steel packaging recycled in Europe rose 15% to 1,900,000 tonnes.

In comparison, other industrialised nations achieved the following levels of steel packaging recovery - Japan, 85%, South Africa, 63.5%, the United States, 58.5%, South Korea, 53%, Australia, 42%, and Brazil. 40%.