EGA joins Crown and CANPACK to promote Every Can Counts’ aluminium can recycling drive in the UAE

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the leading aluminium giant in the UAE, has partnered with beverage can manufacturers Crown and CANPACK to launch "Every Can Counts," an innovative campaign aimed at promoting the recycling of used aluminium drink cans. This initiative, introduced during COP28, represents a crucial step towards fostering a circular economy in the United Arab Emirates.

Every Can Counts, a leading global awareness program for aluminium beverage can recycling, now extends its reach to the UAE. This initiative, following successful chapters in Brazil and the USA, seeks to inspire, encourage, and empower consumers to recycle their drink cans, particularly focusing on out-of-home consumption and collection. The program deploys educational and recreational activations at various public spaces, including festivals and beaches.

Addressing the recycling gap in the UAE

UAE citizens and residents collectively consume over 60 aluminium drink cans per person annually, amounting to a staggering 660 million cans. However, only a third of these are currently recycled, significantly lagging behind leading recycling countries where over 95% of aluminium cans find a second life. Shockingly, more than 440 million aluminium cans end up in UAE landfills each year.

Individual choices impact the future

The destiny of used aluminium beverage cans often rests on individual consumers' decisions on whether to dispose of them in recycling bins. The awareness and engagement fostered by Every Can Counts aim to change these habits, turning recycling into a collective responsibility.

Aluminium's infinite recyclability and environmental impact

Aluminium stands out as an infinitely recyclable material, requiring 95% less energy for recycling compared to the production of new metal. This process generates only a fraction of the greenhouse gas emissions, aligning perfectly with the global push for sustainability. The target set by the UAE COP28 Presidency and global aluminium industry leaders to achieve at least 80% aluminium beverage can recycling by 2030 and near 100% by 2050 reflects a commitment to reducing environmental impact. If all used aluminium beverage cans were recycled globally, it could save a remarkable 60 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

Words from notable industry personalities 

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EGA, Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, announced: "Infinite recyclability is one of many reasons why aluminium is essential for the development of a more sustainable society. Aluminium is already one of the world's most recycled materials, but too much of this valuable material is still thrown away. Increasing recycling requires supportive government policies and the development of infrastructure. It also depends on individuals making the right decisions every day about how to dispose of items they no longer need. We are excited about the potential of Every Can Counts to improve aluminium beverage can recycling rates in the UAE."

The Sustainability Director Europe at Canpack, Bartlomiej Wojdylo, implied: "For CANPACK, sustainability is a core responsibility. Aluminium beverage cans are the most recycled packaging in the world, and we know from countries like Brazil that it is possible to collect and recycle all cans. We would like to see this fantastic performance replicated in other countries. By supporting Every Can Counts in UAE, we want to inspire consumers to recycle more."

The Director of Sustainability & External Affairs at Crown Holdings, Sandrine Duquerroy-Delesalle, reverted: "We are excited to see the expansion of Every Can Counts to the UAE after supporting it in other countries since its launch more than a decade ago. Circularity is a key element of our sustainability, and we know we have the best package and material to keep delivering it. It is great to see the industry working all together to keep the cycle going."

The Director of Every Can Counts Europe, David Van Heuverswyn, commented: "I am delighted that Every Can Counts has just been launched in the UAE thanks to a new partnership between the aluminium industry and local drink can producers. Our vision of empowering people to recycle their aluminium drink cans wherever they consume them can now spread to a new region. We are fully committed and ready to make a positive change in the UAE."

The collaboration between EGA, Crown, CANPACK, and Every Can Counts marks a significant stride towards creating a sustainable future. By encouraging recycling practices, this initiative not only contributes to the circular economy but also aligns with global efforts to mitigate environmental impact. To more about such green initiatives around the globe, please go through AL Circle’s special report, Sustainability in the Global Aluminium Sector. The UAE's commitment to increasing aluminium beverage can recycling reflects a shared responsibility for a greener and more sustainable world.