CCU drops the usage of plastic for eco-friendly aluminium cans across campus

Coastal Carolina University (CCU) has taken a significant step towards sustainability by replacing single-use plastic bottles with recyclable aluminium cans. This spring, the iconic teal-coloured cans debuted at the baseball and softball concession stands, marking a shift towards eco-friendly practices. These cans have been widely distributed at CCU-catered events and were prominently featured during the May 2024 commencement exercises, where they sat beside graduates and faculty chairs.

About the initiative

Under the leadership of CCU President Michael Benson, this initiative was brought to the forefront during his report to the board of trustees on May 3. Each trustee received a complimentary bottle, underscoring the university's dedication to reducing single-use plastic containers. The introduction of aluminium cans will be expanded to other athletic venues, including Brooks Stadium, where the football game-day waste diversion rate is an impressive 80 per cent.

This move reflects CCU's dedication to environmental stewardship and aligns with broader campus sustainability efforts. By phasing out single-use plastics, the university is taking proactive steps to minimize its ecological footprint and set an example for other institutions.

Increasing popularity of aluminium cans

The aluminium beverage cans have significantly increased in popularity over the last decade, emerging as a prominent characteristic within the beverage industry. While supporters of aluminium point to attributes like sustainability and portability as driving reasons, the can has paired itself well with some of the most active growth areas in drinks.

As per AL Circle's report "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024", the surge in demand for beverage cans can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a growing presence of younger consumers, the introduction new product variations, and heightened environmental awareness among stakeholders. The worldwide usage of aluminium beverage cans is projected to rise to 630 billion units by 2030, up from 420 billion units in 2020. 

"Because we branded it Coastal, people are holding onto it longer," said Sandy Baldridge-Adrian, assistant vice president of CCU Auxiliary Enterprises. 

The water supplier from Costa Rica offers an environmentally conscious solution, despite the distance. By utilizing natural pressure to bring water to the surface, the need for energy-intensive pumping is eliminated. Moreover, the company's commitment to sustainability is evident in its choice of packaging—using cans made from 25 per cent recycled aluminium—and its promotion of 'carbon neutral shipping,' along with tree-planting initiatives to offset its carbon footprint.

For consumers at CCU concessions, the $5 bottle price provides access to clean, chilled water in a reusable container that can eventually be recycled. With over 100 water refill stations dispersed across the campus, including at athletic venues, staying hydrated has never been more convenient or eco-friendly.