Brazil remains among the world leaders in aluminium cans recycling; recycling index reaches 97.4% in 2020

Brazil reported aluminium can recycling index of 97.4% in 2020 despite the difficulties faced by the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The index remained stable in relation to 2019, keeping Brazil among the world leaders in can recycling. The Associations reported that 391,500 tonnes or approximately 31 billion units were recycled in 2020. 

The recycling index was presented by ABAL (Brazilian Aluminum Association) and Abralatas (Brazilian Association of Aluminum Can Manufacturers) to the Ministry of the Environment (MMA). 

“The data show how solid the can recycling structure in Brazil is. And how our investments in our own collection and recycling centers generate significant results. The sector maintained its operations within safe standards, contributing to the preservation of the environment and the generation of jobs and income for thousands of families,” said Alfredo Veiga, director of Metals at Novelis and coordinator of the Recycling Committee of ABAL

In November 2020, the associations signed the “Term of Commitment for Reverse Logistics of Aluminum Cans for Drinks” with the Ministry tomaintain the recycling rate of cans at the level of 95%.

 “We are the third largest worldwide market for aluminum cans. In 2020 we reached almost 32 billion cans consumed in Brazil and, even so, we kept the index above 97%. It is the consolidation of the market and consumer choice for aluminum cans as the most suitable packaging for different drinks and the most sustainable. This context places the Tin sector in a world standard of excellence in Circular Economy,” said Cátilo Cândido, executive president of Abralatas.