The Global Aluminum Sustainability Summit for Metal Packaging was held recently. Leading aluminum organizations from around the world – the Aluminum Stewardship Initiative (ASI), the Brazilian Association of Aluminum Can Manufacturers (Abralatas), the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) and Metal Packaging Europe (MPE) – convened more than 150 leaders as part of the Global Aluminum Can Sustainability Summit.
Leaders from across the aluminum beverage can value chain came together during this two-day summit to discuss how the industry can improve its leadership on key sustainability issues, such as decarbonization pathways and measuring recycled content. The summit demonstrated how the aluminum beverage can value chain is actively working to reduce planet-warming emissions while strengthening the can’s sustainability credentials.
“Together we are making important achievements, leading ambitious recycling efforts and pioneering innovative decarbonization programs,” said Marlen Bertram, director of IAI Scenarios and Forecasting.said Marlen Bertram, IAI director of Scenarios and Forecasting. “Our partnership with global leaders around the world is the action needed to create a more sustainable future for our planet.”
The sustainability advantages of beverage cans provide environmentally conscious consumers with a package made from a material that recycles forever, more than offsets its own recycling cost and offers significant carbon emission reductions when recycled.
“Aluminum recycling dramatically accelerates global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,” said Robert Budway, president of CMI.said Robert Budway, president of CMI. “Globally, aluminum recycling saves 95 percent of the energy required for primary aluminum production.”
In addition to discussions focused on decarbonization, the Summit reaffirmed the need for greater global standardization on how the industry calculates recycled content in aluminum beverage cans and reports sustainability data.
“As the standards and certification organization for the entire aluminum value chain, ASI recognizes the importance of product-related claims as a factor in sustainability.” said Dr. Fiona Solomon, executive director of the Aluminum Stewardship Initiative. “The CMI method for recycled content in aluminum cans contributes to an important conversation about the balance between market expectations and sectoral change.”
“We are proud that aluminum beverage cans are the most recycled packaging in the world,” said Cátilo Cândido, president of Abralatas.said Cátilo Cândido, president of Abralatas. “Consumers turn to our industry for sustainability solutions because metal is recycled forever and we recycle cans efficiently and on a large scale. We are very happy to set Brazil as an example for the whole world, achieving recycling rates on average above 98 percent for more than 15 years.”
Speakers at the summit included executives and thought leaders from inside and outside the aluminum beverage can industry, including CEOs from leading aluminum beverage can sheet suppliers and can manufacturers. Among them were five generous sponsors of the event: Ardagh Metal Packaging , Ball Corporation , CANPACK , Crown Holdings and Envases.
“Our collaboration with leaders in the metal packaging industry is critical to ensure that aluminum beverage cans continue to lead the way in circularity”, said Krassimira Kazashka, executive director of Metal Packaging Europe. “We are grateful for the innovative spirit and ideas presented at the Summit and look forward to working together to advance decarbonization and recycling in the future.”
The Aluminum Stewardship Initiative (ASI) is a global non-profit standards-setting and certifying organization. We bring together producers, users and stakeholders in the aluminum value chain with a commitment to maximize aluminum’s contribution to a sustainable society. Working together, our goal is to collaboratively promote the responsible production, sourcing and stewardship of aluminum.
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The Brazilian Association of Aluminum Can Manufacturers (Abralatas) was founded 21 years ago and is the leading voice of the aluminum beverage can industry in Brazil. Our mission is to represent the common interests of our members by uniting companies throughout the production chain. We focus on strengthening and developing the sector while promoting incentives for the circular economy. Our efforts aim to establish aluminum cans as the most sustainable packaging in the world, positioning Brazil as a reference in aluminum can recycling.
The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) is the national trade association for the metal can manufacturing industry and its suppliers in the United States. The can industry represents the annual national production of approximately 131.6 billion food, beverage, aerosol and general line cans; employs more than 28,000 people with plants in 33 states, Puerto Rico and American Samoa; and generates about $15.7 billion in direct economic activity.
The International Aluminium Institute (IAI) is the only body representing the world’s primary aluminum industry. The Institute has the most comprehensive global data on aluminum with more than 50 years of analysis on production, consumption, energy use and environmental impact. For more information, visit www.international-aluminium.org , or connect with us at X and LinkedIn .
Metal Packaging Europe (MPE) is the united voice of Europe’s rigid metal packaging industry (steel and aluminum), bringing together manufacturers, suppliers and national associations. We proactively position and support the positive attributes and image of metal packaging through joint marketing, sustainability and technical initiatives. For more information: MPE Secretariat, info@mpe-eu.com .
Scott Breen, WCC sustainability officer
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Making a can from recycled aluminum saves more than 90% of the energy needed to make a new can.
