New research from circular economy and materials management consultant RRS confirms that used beverage cans (UBCs) move from recycling bin to newly formed cans in less than 60 days on average in the United States.
The study, released today on Global Recycling Day and commissioned by the Aluminum Association and Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), demonstrates the uniquely circular nature of aluminium beverage cans, which when recycled almost always become a new can.
“Aluminium beverage cans exemplify a robust, domestic circular economy operating at scale,” said CMI President Robert Budway. “When aluminium beverage cans are recycled properly, they become a new can in less than two months on average. And nearly 97 per cent of recycled aluminium beverage cans in the United States go on to become new cans, compared to 30 – 60 per cent for glass and 34 per cent for plastic bottles.”
According to The Aluminum Can Advantage: Sustainability Key Performance Indicators report published last year by the Aluminum Association and CMI, the average aluminium beverage can sold in the United States contained 71 per cent recycled content as compared to 23 per cent for glass bottles and 3-10 per cent for plastic (PET) bottles. The report also found that 43 per cent of aluminium beverage cans shipped in the United States were recycled, equal to recycling nearly 90,000 UBCs per minute.
“We have an enormous opportunity to recover and reuse more aluminium at a time when the industry needs this vital material back to meet growing demand and historic U.S. aluminium investment,” said Aluminum Association President and CEO Charles Johnson. “On average, Americans throw away about 15 twelve-packs worth of used beverage cans per person every year, a nearly $1.2 billion loss for the economy and our metal supply. This is unacceptable, and we must find a way to recycle more of this vital material for both our economic and national security.”
Aluminium recycling slashes energy use and emissions by 95 per cent versus producing new aluminium, while serving a steady, reliable domestic supply chain. This rapid 60-day journey from recycling bin back to new can showcases how aluminium beverage cans lead the way in sustainable, circular packaging.
Note: This article has been issued by The Aluminum Association and has been published by AL Circle in its original form without any modifications or edits.
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