Dubai Hosted the Global Every Can Counts Summit for the First Time to Boost Beverage Can Recycling

For the first time in the Middle East, the international program Every Can Counts, focused on promoting beverage can recycling everywhere, held its annual global managers meeting in Dubai. The goal: to strengthen strategies and partnerships that increase aluminum can recycling rates worldwide.

The meeting brought together representatives from 21 countries who shared best practices, participated in training sessions, and discussed the future of can recycling. Over four days, attendees joined strategic workshops, technical visits to aluminum production facilities and can factories, and evaluated ways to expand the program’s presence in public spaces, sporting events, festivals, educational centers, and workplaces.

The event was supported by Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) —the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside the energy sector— along with can manufacturers Crown and Canpack, key allies in launching the program in the country coinciding with COP28. The initiative seeks to promote among consumers the separation and recycling of aluminum cans as a measure to reduce emissions and conserve resources.

“The United Arab Emirates is establishing itself as a regional hub for sustainability and the circular economy”, highlighted David Van Heuverswyn, global director of Every Can Counts. “Choosing Dubai as the venue for this meeting reflects our global commitment to changing habits and boosting recycling. I thank our partners in the UAE for their involvement in building a more sustainable world”.

The country’s ambitious goals in waste reduction and climate neutrality provided the ideal context for the meeting. Attendees were able to learn about local projects that demonstrate how regional innovation can have a global impact.

One of the central themes was the role that aluminum cans play in the transition towards a circular economy. Their ability to be recycled infinitely and their low weight make aluminum one of the most sustainable options for beverage packaging. Globally, aluminum is the most recycled material, and it is estimated that 75% of the aluminum ever produced is still in use.

With the aim of closing the aluminum loop, Every Can Counts has aligned with industry goals to achieve an 80% can recycling rate by 2030 and almost 100% by 2050.

This commitment unites countries, companies, and communities under a common goal: to keep valuable materials in circulation and move towards a truly circular packaging system.

With locally adapted campaigns, the program continues to grow in Europe, Latin America, the United States, and now also in the Middle East, driving behavioral change in consumers and bringing recycling to more corners of the planet.