Metal is the league leader for recycling
Approximately 60 percent of all aluminum cans are recycled globally. The recycling rate for aluminum beverage cans in North America was 67 percent (2012) and in Europe 69 percent (2013).
The main reason for that is that metal is a perfect material for recycling – this means that cans have a high recycling and scrap value and a well-established and efficient infrastructure is in place. Scrap is an integral part of the manufacturing process, so recovered metal is easily integrated, reducing energy use and emissions.
That results in recycling at record speeds – the aluminium beverage cans are recycled and returned to a store shelf as a new can in an average of just 60 days.
Metal is a Permanent Material that can be used again and again to form new packaging and other product applications, losing none of its strength or qualities no matter how many times it is recycled.
Metals such as aluminium (AI) and iron (Fe) are elements, so they cannot be destroyed or degraded. They are permanently available resources once they are produced and they retain their structure regardless of the number of loops they go through in the recycling processes.
This means metal is a permanent material, which will always be available for future generations. As such, metal packaging is ideally placed to contribute to the circular economy.
"Metal is 100% recyclable without loss of quality and can be recycled forever"
Envases take active part in the global climate responsibility and focus on minimization of our environmental impact on the surroundings.
For the aluminum beverage division this involves focus on:
- Optimized packaging design with reduced material consumption
- Operational excellence with a minimum of energy consumption
- Improvement of the recycling rate for waste material and packaging disposal as well as education of our customers and the end user in material sustainability
As consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the impact of packaging on the environment, we support the adoption of a Recycling Mark. The logo - for use on pack symbolises the unique sustainability benefits of metal.
By using the logo, you have the opportunity of highlighting that you have chosen a sustainable material for your packaging and can educate and encourage the consumer to recycle.
The logo is part of a behavior change campaign to help consumers better understand the key role they have to play in keeping metal in the material loop by recycling their empty packaging.
As our contribution to sustainable and cost efficient packaging, we are constantly trying to decrease the weight of our cans and ends. One of our success stories is the 16 oz lightweight beverage can which is lighter than the original standard can available on the market.
The can is a result of a development project with our R&D department and tool suppliers. The thinner surface requires less material and at the same time retains the required performance characteristics in terms of pressure resistance and shelf life.
The introduction of the lightweight end is an example of Envases’ commitment to drive operational excellence that not only offers cost efficient product solutions but also supports our customers' and our own commitment to sustainability.
