New Report Shows 40%+ reduction in aluminum can production carbon intensity since 1990s
A new comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) by sustainability consultancy Sphera shows that the carbon footprint of aluminum cans made in North America has dropped by nearly half over the past three decades. The Life Cycle Assessment of North American Aluminum Cans found that greenhouse gas emissions for aluminum beverage can production has dropped more than 40 percent since 1991 and 7 percent since 2012. Energy demand has declined by similar levels during this time period. These reductions have been driven largely by decreased carbon intensity of primary aluminum production in North America, lighter cans (which are 27 percent lighter per fluid ounce compared to 1991) and more efficient manufacturing operations.
A graphic summary of the report’s key takeaways is available here.
“We’re proud of the continued efforts of the entire aluminum supply chain to make cans as sustainably as possible,” said Raphael Thevenin, vice president of sales and marketing at Constellium and chair of the Aluminum Association’s Can Sheet Producers Committee. “Aluminum cans are the most recycled beverage containers, with the best average recycled content, even though the recycling rate in the U.S. needs improvement. As we continue to find ways to manufacture more efficiently, we are in the right path to further improve the carbon footprint of aluminum cans.”
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