PixelCan: A giant polar bear featuring recycled aluminium cans adorns the street of Bristol

To celebrate the occasion of World Environment Day, a giant polar bear installation crafted entirely from recycled aluminium cans was witnessed at Bristol's city centre. This magnificent creation, dubbed PixelCan, is the brainchild of Every Can Counts, a prominent recycling non-profit organization. Comprising 2,000 cans, this artwork serves as a poignant reminder of the plight of endangered and vulnerable species due to ecosystem degradation.

At the heart of Every Can Counts' initiative are its passionate ambassadors. These dedicated individuals, embodying the program's core mission, were present at the promenade. They warmly invited the public to join in the effort of recycling their empty cans on the go, making a significant difference in the recycling process.

Importance of recycling cans

The dedicated team of Every Can Counts ambassadors raised awareness about the vital significance of recycling drink cans and actively collected cans in their specialized recycling backpacks. The striking polar bear installation is a centrepiece of Every Can Counts' fourth annual International Recycling Tour, which commenced on World Environment Day. This launch coincided with the revelation of new data, indicating a remarkable milestone: a record-breaking 10.7 billion cans recycled in the UK in 2023.

David Van Heuverswyn, Director of Every Can Counts Global, said: “Our vision is to achieve 100% global drink can recycling. Every can recycled can be back on the shelf in 60 days, and campaigns like the International Recycling Tour bring us one step closer to this vision, demonstrating the power of collective action in creating a truly circular economy for the benefit of both people and nature. Here in Bristol, we’re proud to celebrate our tour for the first time with a unique polar bear PixelCan installation to tie into World Environment Day,” said David Van Heuverswyn, the Director of Every Can Counts Global.

The annual tour underscores the critical role of drink can recycling in preserving precious resources and combating climate change. This year, the tour has unveiled an array of striking PixelCan artworks featuring endangered animals like sea turtles, tigers, chimpanzees, and the iconic polar bear seen in Bristol.

About the initiative

Under the banner of #GenerationRestoration, Every Can Counts' initiative is a global call to action. Spanning 16 cities across the globe, including Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, the tour is a testament to international solidarity in environmental conservation.

Every Can Counts represents a distinctive collaboration among drink can manufacturers, fillers, and the broader recycling industry. It is united by the ambitious objective of achieving a 100% recycling rate for drink cans.

Every Can Counts' initiative has made significant strides in the past year. It has offered complimentary recycling assistance to businesses and organizations across Ireland and internationally. In 2023 alone, it reached an impressive 183.5 million individuals worldwide, facilitating the recycling of over 55 million drink cans through event engagements and strategic partnerships, a testament to its effectiveness and impact.