Look & Image:  Increasingly positive image. Suitable for products with a "masculine", rustic or nostalgic feel.

Area of application:: Mainly tubes, cans and cases, but depending on the design, can also be used for bottles in combination with plastic pumps and spray heads. Metal lids are often used for jars made of glass or plastic.

Cost: Relatively more expensive.

Production: Primary production requires large amounts of iron ore, bauxite and energy. Often (virgin) forests in South America, India and Australia are strongly affected by mining activities.

Transport/shipping: Very good due to low weight and stability. However, unlike plastic, it is prone to dents.

Recycling: Best recyclability of all common packaging materials, if collected correctly. Literally 100% recyclable without any loss of quality. In addition, between 60-95% less energy is needed for reprocessing compared to primary production.

(Life cycle) Assessment Pro:  Good barrier properties, tubes are particularly hygienic, light and robust; positive image, optimal recyclability. Cons: Production is energy-, resource and emissions-heavy, toxic waste being an undesirable by-product. Aluminium and the like often have to be combined with plastics (coatings, pump systems...), which taint the recycling process.

You can also download the key facts about all materials here: