Perhaps the greatest impact the can has had is its effect on the environment.
Long before the cry for eco-smart and eco-friendly was the norm, can manufacturers were quietly committed to sustainability by providing a virtually effortless way to go green: cans are infinitely recyclable.
Below are some fun facts from the Can Manufacturer’s Institute and The Aluminium Association:
An aluminium beverage container can be recycled and back on the shelf in 60 days
Steel food containers can be recycled multiple times without losing strength or quality
The recycling rate of the steel food can is more than 2.5 times higher than other packaging options
Recycling one aluminium can saves enough energy to listen to a full album on an iPod
Every ton of recycled steel saves 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,000 pounds of coal and 40 pounds of limestone
Aluminium is one of the most recycled — and most recyclable — materials on the market today.
Nearly 75 percent of all aluminium produced in the U.S. is still in use today. With so many immediate and long-term benefits, the can has certainly left its mark throughout history – and with constant recycling, will continue to do so.
