A new immersive exhibit about recycling has opened at Xplore! Science Discovery Centre, the home of science in North Wales.

The ‘Infinity Room’ installation, created by recycling not-for-profit Every Can Counts, marks a new experience for visitors to Xplore! Science Discovery Centre and is free to access for members of the public.

The installation aims to teach all ages about the importance of recycling drink cans, as well as illustrating the infinite recyclability of aluminium.

The focal point is a giant drink can and those who step inside will find themselves in a mirrored room that creates an illusion of being surrounded by an infinite number of suspended aluminium cans. At the same time, a narrator will take them on an educational journey through aluminium can recycling and its environmental benefits.

Made up of 1,500 recycled cans and 25 square metres of mirrors, the exhibit also makes for a visual spectacle and visitors can share their own photos and videos of the Infinity Room on social media with #EveryCanCounts.

New research from Every Can Counts into the recycling habits of those in Wrexham found on average, people enjoy around four canned drinks per week.

Respondents said they recycled 90% of these cans on average, but just under half (45%) of respondents living in Wrexham said they always use recycling bins when out and about in public places, while only a third (34%) would take packaging home to recycle it if they couldn’t find a recycle bin.

Wrexham residents cited more recycling bins (66%), more recyclable packaging (37%), and clearer signage on recycling bins (25%) as the top three things which would encourage them to recycle more when out of their home. 

Furthermore, half (50%) think more should be done to educate young people about the importance of recycling.

Jennifer Hough, education officer at Xplore! Science Discovery Centre, said: “We are delighted to be home to the incredible ‘Infinity Room’ installation. Over the coming months Xplore! will be starting work on a raft of decarbonisation activities including the installation of solar panels.

“The arrival of Every Can Counts’ installation allows us to really highlight the importance of recycling as part of our drive to reduce our carbon footprint. It promises to be an amazing exhibit and we can’t wait for the people of Wrexham to see it!”

Chris Latham-Warde, programme manager at Every Can Counts, added: “We’re thrilled to bring our unique Infinity Room to Wrexham after seeing great success with it throughout the UK in 2023.

“Free for all members of the public to access, the aim of the exhibit is to raise awareness of the infinite recyclability of aluminium in a visual and interactive way. 

“Every empty can could be recycled and back on a shop shelf as a brand-new can in just 60 days and each of us can play a vital role in keeping the cycle going and benefitting the environment. 

“With the exhibit available to visit until September, we hope that visitors to Xplore! Science Discovery Centre are left feeling inspired to make small changes to their recycling habits and will encourage their friends and family to do the same.”

Every Can Counts is a unique partnership formed between drink can manufacturers, drink can fillers and the wider recycling industry, all with the goal of reaching a 100% recycling rate for drink cans. The programme provides free recycling support to businesses and organisations around the UK. To find out more information about Every Can Counts, visit www.everycancounts.co.uk.

Open daily from 9.30-16.30, visitors can explore The Infinity Room at Xplore! Science Discovery Centre until September 2024. More information can be found at https://www.xplorescience.co.uk/