The aluminum can recycling process – turning used cans into new possibilities

Recycling aluminum cans is a prime example of environmental responsibility and unlike so many other materials, aluminum is easy and cost-effective to recycle. The recyclable credentials of a seemingly ordinary aluminum can are strangely fascinating. An old, used, disposable piece of packaging can, in a very short period of time, be transformed into another brand new, shiny container ready to hold another delicious beverage.

Why recycling aluminum cans matters

Recycling aluminum cans is crucial due to its substantial environmental benefits. Aluminum can be recycled endlessly without quality loss, making it highly sustainable for packaging. The primary advantage is conserving raw materials, as recycling uses far less energy than producing new aluminum. For instance, recycling one can saves enough energy to power a computer for three hours or a TV for two hours. This process significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, aiding the fight against climate change.

The process of recycling aluminum cans

Collection and Sorting: The beverage container recycling journey begins when consumers dispose of their empty cans. These cans are then collected through various recycling schemes – depending on the given country. For example, a consumer might recycle their can via a dedicated recycling bin, by bringing their used cans to a metal scrapyard or by returning them via a deposit return system. The best collection systems in the world achieve over 95% recycling rates. Once the cans are collected, they are separated from other types of packaging to improve recycling efficiency.

Purifying and Remelting: After the cans are separated from other materials and impurities such as residual paints, lacquers, and other non-aluminum parts, they are shredded and melted in special furnaces. This process ensures that the recycled aluminum meets stringent industry standards for purity and quality, making it suitable for the production of new aluminum cans.

Casting and Manufacturing: The molten aluminum is cast into ingots, which are then rolled into coils. These thin coil sheets are often as thin as 0.25 millimeters, and each coil can extend to several kilometers in length. Collectively, recycling facilities process hundreds of thousands of metric tonnes of aluminum annually, equivalent to recycling billions of used beverage cans.

Compounding and Packaging: At CANPACK’s facilities, the newly produced aluminum coils undergo a process of being shaped into beverage cans, which are then printed using dry-offset technology. The designs, provided by our customers, are carefully prepared and optimized by our team to ensure they are compatible with this demanding printing method. Once printed, the cans are meticulously inspected, packed, and then transported to our customers, to be filled, closed and shipped to stores. Notably, the aluminum can itself represents only 3% of the total weight of the final product, with the beverage comprising the remaining 97%.

The Result: A ‘new’ aluminum beverage can can be back on a store’s shelf in just 60 days! And after that can has been consumed… well it too can be back on another store’s shelf in another 60 days! The aluminum beverage can, so seemingly simple in design, is so awesome when it comes to being sustainable. It literally is the beverage can of the future.

Sustainability and the circular economy

The recycling journey of the humble aluminum can is a powerful example of sustainability in action. From collection to remelting, each stage is optimized for efficiency and environmental benefit. For example, compacted cans, ready for recycling, mean that transport emissions are kept to a minimum, while advanced technologies capture emissions during melting. And the lightweighting of cans also further decreases their carbon footprint.

Recycling aluminum uses 95% less energy than primary production, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving natural resources. With recycling rates up to 97% in countries like Germany and Brazil, aluminum beverage cans are a cornerstone of the circular economy; they are endlessly recyclable and crucial to helping combat climate change and waste.

How can you contribute?

As a consumer, you can play your part in supporting the recycling of aluminum cans by adhering to three simple things:

Recycle Properly: Always dispose of aluminum cans in designated recycling bins or drop-off locations to ensure they are processed correctly.
Educate Others: Share information about the energy savings and reduced emissions associated with recycling aluminum.
Encourage Participation: Motivate friends, family, and your local community to actively recycle and amplify the positive environmental impact.

By supporting these actions, you can help create a perfect circular economy and promote long-term environmental benefits.

Advancing sustainability through recycling

The journey of a seemingly ordinary aluminum can personifies environmental stewardship and resource conservation. From collection to creation, recycling showcases sustainable practices. By participating, we are helping ensure a greener future for generations.

Next time you enjoy a beverage, remember that your can has an extraordinary future ahead of it thanks to its unrivaled recyclability. Together, we can raise awareness and promote efforts to keep the cycle going. Discover more about CANPACK’s capabilities and see why aluminum is key to sustainable packaging.

If you can do it, anyone can!