Stone & Wood has launched an alliance with supply chain partners to develop a breakthrough packaging initiative to improve the amount of recycled aluminium used in its beverage cans.
The initiative, called Re-In-Can-Ation, is still in its pilot phase and brings together Visy, Novelis and Rio Tinto to develop the more sustainable beverage can that is estimated to deliver a 59 per cent reduction in carbon emissions compared to Stone & Wood’s existing cans.
Lion Group Sustainability Director, Justin Merrell, said: “This partnership shows what’s possible when industry leaders unite behind a common goal.
In this project we’re demonstrating the potential to reduce carbon emissions and conserve resources with the containers our consumers recycle.
“It’s proof that when the full value chain collaborates, we see a stronger circular economy and great benefit to the environment. Only two thirds of Australia’s aluminium cans are currently recycled so there is still work to do”.
Over the 18 months of the trial 15 million of the more sustainable cans will enter the market, with estimates that this will reduce carbon emissions by 1235 tonnes, when compared with Stone & Wood’s existing cans.
Visy Circular Economy & Sustainability General Manager, Kate Bakersaid: “We’re partnering with customers like Lion to develop more sustainable packaging solutions and this innovative beverage can sets a new benchmark for sustainability.
“By incorporating higher levels of recycled content, we’re diverting more waste from landfill and giving materials a second life. Even better, these cans are easily recycled, allowing you to enjoy your beer while contributing to a circular economy.”
The alliance sees each partner play a crucial role in to improve the sustainability of the cans: Novelis manufactures high-recycled content aluminium coils, Rio Tinto provides low-carbon primary aluminium from its Bell Bay aluminium smelter in Tasmania, and Visy manufactures the cans locally at its Yatala site in Queensland.
Rio Tinto Vice President Aluminium Sales, Amy Abraham, said: “Low-carbon aluminium is a key solution for industries striving to decarbonise, and we are pleased to provide Australian aluminium from our Bell Bay smelter in Tasmania, which is largely powered by renewable energy, to help produce lower-carbon cans.”
“We are proud to play a part in building resilient, local supply chains that support Australia’s sustainable manufacturing future. This pilot shows that domestic production can play a crucial role in advancing sustainability goals, with the potential to transform sustainable production standards across the aluminium can value chain.”
The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation said it recognises the importance of this initiative in addressing a significant recycling challenge in Australia, where only 64 per cent of aluminium beverage cans are currently recycled.
Novelis Asia Can Sales & Marketing Director, Jason Pontre,said: “Achieving 83 per cent recycled content in beverage packaging is a significant technical milestone that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in aluminium manufacturing.
“We’re proud to be contributing to Australia’s circular economy journey, demonstrating how collaboration and innovation can help create a more sustainable packaging industry.”
Stone & Wood’s specially marked Re-In-Can-Ation cans are now available on shelves across Australia.