Lion’s Stone & Wood has teamed up with supply chain partners to launch Re-In-Can-Ation, a pioneering packaging initiative aimed at increasing the use of recycled aluminium in its beverage cans. Currently in its pilot phase, the collaboration includes Visy, Novelis, and Rio Tinto. The new, more sustainable can design is projected to reduce carbon emissions by 59 per cent compared to Stone & Wood's current cans.
During the 18-month trial, 15 million more sustainable cans will be introduced to the market. This initiative is expected to cut carbon emissions by 1,235 tonnes compared to Stone & Wood's current cans.
"Low-carbon aluminium is a key solution for industries striving to decarbonise, and we are pleased to provide Australian aluminium from our Bell Bay smelter in Tasmania, which is largely powered by renewable energy, to help produce lower-carbon cans. We are proud to play a part in building resilient, local supply chains that support Australia's sustainable manufacturing future. This pilot shows that domestic production can play a crucial role in advancing sustainability goals, with the potential to transform sustainable production standards across the aluminium can value chain," said Rio Tinto Vice President of Aluminium Sales Amy Abraham.
In the alliance, each partner plays a vital role in enhancing the sustainability of the cans. Novelis produces aluminium coils with high recycled content, Rio Tinto supplies low-carbon primary aluminium from its Bell Bay smelter in Tasmania, and Visy manufactures the cans locally at its Yatala facility in Queensland.
Lion Group Sustainability Director Justin Merrell said, "This partnership shows what's possible when industry leaders unite behind a common goal. In this project, we're demonstrating the potential to reduce carbon emissions and conserve resources with the containers our consumers recycle. It's proof that when the full value chain collaborates, we see a stronger circular economy and great benefit to the environment. Only two thirds of Australia's aluminium cans are currently recycled so there is still work to do".
The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation has acknowledged the significance of this initiative in tackling a major recycling challenge in Australia, where only 64% of aluminium beverage cans are currently recycled.
Visy Circular Economy & Sustainability General Manager Kate Baker added, "We're partnering with customers like Lion to develop more sustainable packaging solutions, and this innovative beverage can set a new benchmark for sustainability. By incorporating higher levels of recycled content, we're diverting more waste from landfill and giving materials a second life. Even better, these cans are easily recycled, allowing you to enjoy your beer while contributing to a circular economy."
Novelis Asia Can Sales & Marketing Director Jason Pontre said, "Achieving 83 per cent recycled content in beverage packaging is a significant technical milestone that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in aluminium manufacturing. We're proud to be contributing to Australia's circular economy journey, demonstrating how collaboration and innovation can help create a more sustainable packaging industry."
Responses
.jpg/82/0){kind=logo}
