A recent report from the Aluminum Association and the Can Manufacturers Institute shows how aluminium beverage can recycling continues to lead the way 

The Aluminum Can Advantage: Sustainability Key Performance Indicators 2020 reveals that metal has maintained its industry-leading position as the most recycled beverage package in the world. In fact, data shows that consumers recycle aluminium cans at nearly double the rate of plastic bottles.

When properly recovered, those used beverage cans (UBCs) fall within a closed-loop recycling process that allows for repeated—and infinite—recycling. 

Today, the average aluminium can in the United States contains 73% recycled content, compared to less than 6% for plastic (PET) bottles, demonstrating the staying power of the material and its viability for reuse.

The report also highlighted the following noteworthy stats for metal:

• Using recycled aluminium for beverage can production saves more than 90%of the energy needed to produce a beverage can with new, or primary, aluminium.
• Aluminium is a high-value material, cashing in at $1,210 per ton (vs. $237 per ton for PET bottles) and actually provides a stream of income critical for the recycling system to even operate. 
• The full aluminium can value chain – can manufacturers, consumers, aluminium recyclers, beverage brands, and more – should be proud of the aluminium beverage can’s industry-leading U.S. recycling rate that averaged above 51% over the past 10 years.

Commenting on the report, Crown said: “With metal packaging as our primary product, sustainability is ingrained in our business and will remain a core value for our Company moving forward. 

“Through our Twentyby30 program, we are working with industry partners to educate our supply chain about how the format’s high recyclability and recycling rates support collective goals to advance the Circular Economy.”

To learn more about aluminum’s recycling credentials and read the complete report, visit: https://www.aluminum.org/sites/default/files/KPI_Report_Dec2020.pdf 

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