The journey towards a net-zero future demands innovative, collaborative, and sustainable solutions across all industries. In the packaging sector, a new alliance has emerged to champion circularity for one of the most widely used and recyclable materials: the aluminium beverage can.
Established at COP28, the Global Beverage Can Circularity Alliance (GBCCA) is an industry-led coalition dedicated to supercharging recycling solutions throughout the entire beverage can value chain. Comprised of leading aluminium producers, beverage can manufacturers, and recycling companies, the GBCCA’s core objective is to advance can-to-can recycling as a critical pillar of a sustainable future.
The Alliance has set ambitious targets, aiming for an 80% recycling rate by 2030 and a fully circular 100% by 2050. These goals underscore a shared commitment to building a robust and efficient closed-loop system, ensuring that every can has the potential for a new life, again and again.
The inherent qualities of aluminium make it an ideal material for a circular economy. Its infinite recyclability without loss of quality, coupled with its lightweight nature, positions it as a frontrunner in sustainable packaging. “Aluminium offers distinct advantages when it comes to recycling rates in the beverage can industry,” says Sandrine Duquerroy‑Delesalle at Crown Holdings, a global leader in drinks can manufacturing. “Aluminium cans are already widely collected and recycled, and the energy savings achieved through recycling are substantial. But, like everyone else in the GBCCA, we recognise that more action is required to achieve our shared goals.”
The GBBCA believes that new technology solutions will be central to accelerating progress towards circularity, particularly in transitioning markets. “As an industry, we must leverage cutting-edge technology to deliver measurable progress in recycling infrastructure and consumer engagement,” says Ramon Arratia at Ball Corporation, a long-standing innovator in sustainable aluminium packaging. “However, this takes alignment and investment, and the GBCCA provides a crucial platform for this collective action.”
To explore breakthrough solutions, the Alliance is hosting the ‘Investment and Technology Spotlight’ session as part of the International Aluminium Institute’s event ‘Aluminium in Action: How Beverage Cans Are Closing the Circularity Loop’ at Climate Week NYC. “Through strategic partnerships, shared expertise, and advocating for greater investment in innovative recycling technologies, the GBCCA is working to drive meaningful change in global decarbonisation,” says Marlen Bertram at the International Aluminium Institute. “We fully believe that aluminium beverage cans can help the transition towards a net-zero future.”