An aluminum drink can transitions from the recycling container to a newly manufactured can in under 60 days.

An aluminum drink can transitions from the recycling container to a newly manufactured can in under 60 days

On Global Recycling Day, the Aluminum Association and the Can Manufacturers Institute unveil a study that measures the successful circularity of aluminum beverage cans.

A recent study conducted by RRS, a consultancy specializing in circular economy and materials management, reveals that in the United States, used beverage cans (UBCs) transition from recycling bins to newly manufactured cans in under 60 days on average.
This research, unveiled today in honor of Global Recycling Day and funded by the Aluminum Association and Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), highlights the inherently circular characteristics of aluminum beverage cans, which are predominantly repurposed into new cans when recycled.

"Aluminum beverage cans serve as a prime example of a thriving circular economy within the country," stated Robert Budway, President of CMI. "When these cans are recycled correctly, they can be transformed into new cans in under two months on average. Furthermore, almost 97% of aluminum beverage cans recycled in the U.S. are repurposed into new cans, which is significantly higher than the recycling rates for glass (30-60%) and plastic bottles (34%)."
The Aluminum Can Advantage: Sustainability Key Performance Indicators report released last year by the Aluminum Association and CMI indicates that the typical aluminum beverage can sold in the U.S. contains 71% recycled material, while glass bottles have 23% and plastic (PET) bottles only 3-10%. Additionally, the report revealed that 43% of aluminum beverage cans shipped in the U.S. are recycled, which translates to nearly 90,000 used beverage containers being processed every minute.

Charles Johnson, President and CEO of the Aluminum Association, emphasized the significant potential to enhance aluminum recovery and reuse at a time when the industry urgently requires this essential resource to satisfy increasing demand and unprecedented investments in U.S. aluminum. He pointed out that, on average, each American discards around 15 twelve-packs of used beverage cans annually, which translates to an economic loss of nearly $1.2 billion and a depletion of our metal resources. Johnson stated, "This situation is intolerable; we must innovate ways to recycle more of this crucial material for the sake of our economy and national security."
Recycling aluminum dramatically reduces energy consumption and emissions by 95% compared to the production of new aluminum, while also supporting a stable and dependable domestic supply chain. The swift 60-day process of transforming recycled cans back into new ones illustrates how aluminum beverage containers are at the forefront of sustainable, circular packaging practices.