Cans are the most recycled food and beverage packages in the world.
Recycling Rates of Aluminum Cans
| U.S. | Europe | Asia |
|---|---|---|
| 58.1%1 | 64.3%2 | N/A |
In some specific countries, collection rates are even higher3 :
Brazil – 97%
China – 99.5%
Japan – 93%
Sweden – 91%
Switzerland – 90%
Recycling Rates of Steel Cans
| U.S. | Europe | Asia |
|---|---|---|
| 66.8%4 | 72%5 | N/A |
12010 data; Source: Joint press releases from the Aluminum Association, Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) and Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) – June 15, 2011
22009 data; Source: European Aluminium Association press release – July 27, 2011
3Source: “Global Aluminium Recycling: A Cornerstone of Sustainable Development” published by the International Aluminium Institute, European Aluminium Association and the Organisation of European Aluminium Refiners and Remelters
42009 data; Source: Steel Recycling Institute
52009 data; Source: APEAL
Cans help conserve precious resources.
- Aluminum and steel is infinitely recyclable with no loss of physical properties, allowing it to serve as feedstock for new cans and other metal products.
- 75% of all primary aluminum produced in the last 150 years is still in use and available through recycling.
- Steel recycling uses 40% less water; it also produces 76% fewer water pollutants, 86% fewer air pollutants and 97% less mining waste.
Cans prevent spoilage and waste.
- Deliver 100% protection against oxygen, gas, light, moisture and other contamination.
- Cans offer the longest shelf life of any package, allowing products to be kept until needed.
Cans save energy.
- Aluminum recycling saves 95 percent of the energy needed for primary production. Each ton of recycled aluminum saves more than four tons of bauxite, the primary ore from which aluminum is extracted.
- Steel recycling saves up to 74% of the energy required for primary production. Each ton of recycled steel saves 1.5 tons of iron ore and 0.5 tons of coal.
- Products packaged in cans never require freezing or refrigeration, saving energy for producers, shippers, retailers and consumers.
Cans keep consumers safe and healthy.
- Since metal is rigid and robust, it protects and preserves products better and longer than any other form of packaging.
- Hermetic seals prevent microbes, oxygen and light from infiltrating and diminishing the nutritional value of package contents.
- Canned food is picked at the peak of ripeness and immediately canned, locking in its flavor and nutrition.
Cans are cost effective and economical throughout the supply chain when compared with other packages.
- Fill fastest on packaging lines and require minimal secondary packaging.
- Light weight and cubic efficiency allows more product to be shipped using less fuel.
- Cans require no refrigeration or freezing, saving money through warehousing, shipping, retailing and storage.
