Showing the highest recycling rate of any beverage container, aluminum can Recycling hit 54.2% in 2008, according to the The Aluminum Association, Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) and the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries.
"The aluminum can is a sustainable beverage package," said Kevin Anton, Chairman of The Aluminum Association and President, 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."
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. Therefore, purchasing beverages in aluminum cans, then recycling is a simple way to reduce one's carbon footprint. Higher recycling rates ensure a steady supply of high value recycled aluminum delivering incredible value and benefits for all stakeholders.
The aluminum beverage can is 100% recyclable into new beverage cans indefinitely -- a demonstration of recycling at its finest. The aluminum can is the only packaging material that more than covers the cost of collection and re-processing for itself. It also helps subsidize the collection of other recyclable materials.
