Envisioning a sustainable future, EVERY CAN COUNTS has ignited its U.S. chapter, spreading its recycling campaign overseas to promote the circularity of aluminium beverage cans. This collaborative effort brings together major players in the aluminium industry, including aluminium packaging suppliers like Ardagh Metal Packaging, CANPACK, Crown Holdings, Envases, and aluminium producers Constellium, Kaiser Aluminum, Novelis, and Tri-Arrows Aluminum.
CMI's senior vice president of sustainability, Scott Breen, implied: "Supporting Recycle Dat at Mardi Gras is the perfect way to launch EVERY CAN COUNTS U.S. because it brings can recycling to an event where there are many beverages enjoyed in aluminium cans, but essentially no public space for recycling them once they are empty."
Ambitious targets: CMI aims for 70% U.S. aluminium beverage recycling by 2030
The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) is steering forward to achieving an ambitious goal that will increase the U.S. aluminium beverage recycling rate to 70 per cent by 2030, 25 per cent higher than the current rate of 45 per cent.
To kick-start its initiatives, EVERY CAN COUNTS U.S. is joining forces with the City of New Orleans in the Recycle Dat initiative to make the 2024 Mardi Gras parades more sustainable. This involves expanding recycling hubs and introducing can-only receptacles along the parade route, making it convenient for parade-goers to recycle empty aluminium beverage cans, glass bottles, and beads. The collected cans will be taken to EMR Metal Recycling's mid-city location, where EVERY CAN COUNTS U.S. will generously double the market rate payout up to the first $5,000. The proceeds will be dedicated to three local charities – NOLA Cans 4 Food, Pontchartrain Conservancy, and Zeus' Rescues.
Beyond the parade route collection, EVERY CAN COUNTS U.S. encourages New Orleans community members to bring their used aluminium beverage cans to the EMR Metal Recycling mid-city facility, providing both financial incentives and an opportunity to contribute to local charities. This strategic collaboration and recycling initiative not only enhances environmental sustainability but also contributes to the development of a circular economy.
Inspired by Europe: EVERY CAN COUNTS' success transcends continents
In Europe, Every Can Counts has successfully implemented similar campaigns, demonstrating the efficacy of their approach. Leveraging social media, EVERY CAN COUNTS U.S. plans to educate and inspire people about the benefits of recycling. The chapter will also launch an Instagram contest during Mardi Gras, offering daily giveaways of gift cards to a local New Orleans brewery and a redeemable prize of a $200 (gift card) to a local, sustainable-minded restaurant. This engaging approach aims to reward followers for embracing recycling practices and making more sustainable choices.
Every Can Counts' U.S. chapter, in collaboration with industry leaders, is essential to spearhead impactful initiatives, elevating the country's aluminium beverage can recycling rates. Their strategic approach, inspired by successful European campaigns, benefits the environment and supports local communities. Join the movement, recycle, and be part of a sustainable future. If you wish to learn more about such international green initiatives, please book AL Circle's special report, Sustainability in the Global Aluminium Industry.
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