How can the US increase beverage can recycling?
A shocking statistics: less than half of beverage cans in the US are currently recycled. But US can manufacturers reckon this can be turned around: they want to see 80% recycled by 2040 and 90% by 2050. So how can this be achieved?
Can manufacturers champion the circular economy potential of the metal can: with each can having the potential to be recycled repeatedly - without loss of quality - into new cans or other products. Recycling also saves energy compared to making cans from virgin material.
But the problem is that not enough cans are currently recycled: meaning they don’t complete this circular journey.
The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) has published a roadmap for reaching the above targets: calling for well-designed deposit systems; increased recycling both in home and out of home; improved sorting at recycling centers, and increased consumer awareness.
