Metal Packaging Europe, the association of European producers of rigid metal packaging and their supply chain partners, completed a new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of aluminum beverage cans (25, 33 and 50 cl volumes).

Using the latest data available (2016), the study covers the life cycle of aluminum beverage cans produced in Europe, from raw materials extraction to manufacturing, and end-of-life. When compared to 2006 data, the study records significant reductions in CO2-equivalent emissions. The carbon footprint has been reduced by an impressive 31% on average for the three volumes, confirming the industry’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions and to decouple production growth from its environmental footprint.

The main factors which have made this progress possible are:

• the continuous improvements taking place in the aluminum production and can manufacturing processes;

• a reduction in can weight; as well as

• an increase in aluminum beverage can recycling rate.

For a 33 cl can, the reduction on Climate Change impact over the 10-year period (2006 – 2016) is 33% and includes the following key figures:

• a 12% reduction in the aluminum ingot supply;

• a 35% reduction in electricity and heat consumption, thanks to improved efficiency of can making process, as well as a 4% reduction in body can weight;

• close to 50% increase in the aluminum beverage can recycling rate across Europe, going from 50% to 73% in 2014.

The 2016 data shows that, in terms of Climate Change impact, the average contribution of the cans manufacturing is 18% over the life cycle. Recyclability of aluminum remains the key factor for further improvements: for every 5% increase of recycled aluminum beverage can, an average of -6% reduction on Climate Change impact is achievable.

Aluminum beverage cans are a mono-material packaging, which make them easy to collect, sort and recycle. In 2015, the aluminum beverage can recycle rate has further increased to 74%, thanks to well-performing collection and sorting schemes and the active participation of consumers. Aluminum is a permanent material that can be recycled again and again, without losing its material characteristics, and its scrap value is the highest of all packaging materials, making aluminum beverage cans a perfect fit for the Circular Economy.

“It is part of Metal Packaging Europe’s commitment to provide fact-based and unambiguous information on our industry. We are pleased with the significant progress made by our members and are confident that even higher reductions will be achieved thanks to improved recycling rates across Europe,” said Leonie Knox-Peebles, CEO of Metal Packaging Europe.

The following Metal Packaging Europe members submitted data for 2016: Ardagh Group, CROWN Packaging Europe, Ball Beverage Packaging Europe. European Aluminum provided the latest data sets for aluminum sheet production. Participating companies cover up to 87% of the relevant European markets.

The study, conducted by RDC Environment and reviewed by Solinnen, is fully compliant with ISO 14040/14044 standards.