The Global Beverage Can Circularity Alliance, formed in the wake of COP28, is taking action at Climate Week NYC with the launch of its ambitious global advocacy plan. This plan, developed by Roland Berger, outlines a strategic approach to boosting aluminum can recycling rates, recognizing its crucial role in addressing environmental concerns.
The plan meticulously analyzes the current state of can usage, waste management systems, and socio-economic factors across 140 countries. It pinpoints specific opportunities for improvement, revealing how countries like Colombia, Uganda, and Vietnam could achieve remarkable 90% recycling rates and near 100% can-to-can recycling within just three to ten years. This is possible by channeling investments into their existing informal recycling sectors.
The plan further highlights countries like the United States, UAE, Turkey, and Malaysia, where measures such as incentivizing source separation and streamlining logistical processes could lead to a 20 percentage point increase in recycling rates by 2030.
Another key aspect of the plan emphasizes the potential of Deposit Return Systems (DRS). Countries like the UK, South Korea, Japan, and Spain are identified as prime candidates for DRS implementation, as stakeholders, including brand owners, retailers, and government bodies, are more likely to support such initiatives. DRS is proven to significantly enhance both overall recycling rates and the proportion of cans recycled into new cans.
Beyond the local impacts, the plan also underscores the broader global implications of aluminum can recycling. For instance, recycling the aluminum beverage cans currently landfilled in the USA could offset a staggering 18% of the country’s aluminum imports. This is a significant opportunity, considering that Florida, the second largest consumer of aluminum cans in the U.S. after Texas, currently landfills a concerning 79% of its used cans.
The Alliance recognizes the importance of international collaboration and has outlined several key initiatives:
*
Strategic Advocacy:
Implementing targeted advocacy campaigns focused on international diplomacy to promote recycling policies and investments.*
Infrastructure Investment:
Supporting companies in identifying and investing in the necessary recycling infrastructure.*
Data and Policy:
Encouraging better data collection, setting ambitious recycling targets, and implementing smart policies to drive efficient recycling processes.*
Global Support:
Providing comprehensive support to countries considering the implementation of DRS, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), or other policies designed to enhance recycling rates.The Global Beverage Can Circularity Alliance, backed by the Aluminum Association, Can Manufacturers Institute, and the International Aluminium Institute, is hosting a strategic event during Climate Week NYC. The purpose of this event is to foster discussions and collaboration on achieving the ambitious goal of near 100% aluminum beverage can recycling by 2050.
Each member company within the Alliance has committed to announcing at least one investment by COP30, demonstrating their dedication to achieving the global recycling targets.
The Alliance’s formation at COP28 was a pivotal moment. They called upon national governments worldwide to commit to setting policies that align with the global targets of at least 80% aluminum beverage can recycling by 2030 and near 100% by 2050.
The Alliance comprises prominent industry leaders, including: Ardagh Metal Packaging, Ball Corporation, CANPACK Group, Constellium, CROWN Holdings, Elval, Emirates Global Aluminium, Novelis, Speira, and UACJ.
This collective effort represents a significant step towards creating a more sustainable future, driven by the commitment of industry leaders and global collaboration. The Alliance’s strategy, coupled with targeted investments and policy changes, holds immense potential to significantly reduce our reliance on virgin materials, promote responsible resource management, and ultimately contribute to a healthier planet.
