Discover your next big idea at PACK EXPO Las Vegas
Experience a breakthrough in packaging & processing and transform your business with solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries. Click to learn more.

Aluminum-can stats show recycling rate of 54.2%

Aluminum cans are the most recycling of all beverage containers, numbers show.

Pw 5004 Aluminum

The Aluminum Association (www.aluminum.org), the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI, www.cancentral.com), and the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI, www.isri.org) have officially announced the 2008 Used Beverage Container (UBC) 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.

List: Digitalization Companies From PACK EXPO
Looking for CPG-focused digital transformation solutions? Download our editor-curated list from PACK EXPO featuring top companies offering warehouse management, ERP, digital twin, and MES software with supply chain visibility and analytics capabilities—all tailored specifically for CPG operations.
Download Now
List: Digitalization Companies From PACK EXPO
Annual Outlook Report: Workforce
Hiring remains a major challenge in packaging, with 78% struggling to fill unskilled roles and 84% lacking experienced workers. As automation grows, companies must rethink hiring and training. Download the full report for key insights.
Download Now
Annual Outlook Report: Workforce