Brazil aluminium can recycling rate grew 12.5% in 2014

The recent report published jointly by the Brazilian Aluminium Association (ABAL) and the Brazilian Association of Highly Recyclable Cans Manufacturers (Abralatas) suggests significant rise in aluminium can recycling rates in the country during 2014.

According to the report, Brazil recycled 289,500 tons of aluminium beverage cans out of the 294,200 tons available in the market during the year. The recycling rate witnessed a growth of 12.5% over the previous year. The aluminium can recycling rate of the country stood at 98.4%. The recycling rates have sustained above 90% levels for more than ten years in a row. The country has once again emerged as the top recycler of alumiinum cans, a position it maintains for over a decade now. The data suggests that the country recycled 22.9 billion packs during 2014.

Recycling of aluminium beverage cans contributed R$ 845 million to country’s economy in 2014 alone. Moreover, the activity had also resulted in thousands of jobs and huge energy savings. The sector continues to provide income to waste pickers and others in the chain. Recycling activity leads to 95% energy-savings when compared with primary metal production process. By this approximation, recycling in 2014 has saved 4,250 GWh of energy for the country.

ABAL is comprised of 65 member companies that represent 100% of primary aluminium producers. Also part of ABAL are aluminium processing companies, representing around 80% of the Brazilian domestic consumption, consumers of aluminium products, raw material suppliers, service suppliers and traders.

The Abralatas is a civil non-profit association created in March 2003 by Brazilian manufacturers of aluminium cans for drinks, to establish the exchange of experiences with society and promote the development and increased competitiveness of this packaging and its production chain in Brazil.