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Aluminum-can stats show recycling rate of 54.2% By Anne Marie Mohan, Senior Editor, Packaging World
 Aluminum cans are the most recycled of all beverage containers, numbers show.
The Aluminum Association, the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), and the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) have officially announced the 2008 Used Beverage Container recycling rate. At a rate of 54.2%, the aluminum can has the highest recycling rate of any beverage container, according to these groups.
"The aluminum can is a sustainable beverage package," says Kevin Anton, chairman of The Aluminum Association and president of Alcoa Materials Management. "A can that is recycled can be back on the store shelf in as little as 60 days. Recycling conserves energy, saves resources, and minimizes consumer and production waste. We model the benefits of recycling and will continue to promote these benefits."
CMI president Robert Budway adds, "This shows recycling rates for cans (are) strong and can makers are committed to their continual increase. Higher recycling rates deliver the endlessly recyclable benefits for cans, reducing carbon emissions, virgin material use, and energy expenditure."
Robin Wiener, ISIR president comments, "This information demonstrates that the aluminum can continues to be recognized as a valuable recyclable product. Scrap recycling continues to play a vital role in the local and global economy, as well as global trade and sustainable development, and we hope to see the recycling rate continue to increase."
According to the associations, cans are infinitely recyclable. A recycled can requires 95% less energy, generates 95% less emissions, and creates 97% less water pollution than generating new metal.
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