Promoting a sustainable future: Every Can Counts' International Recycling Tour 2024

Every Can Counts, a prominent recycling non-profit, announces the fourth edition of its International Recycling Tour. This dynamic campaign, aligned with World Environment Day, promotes the critical role of drink can recycling in conserving resources and combating climate change. By recycling just one tonne of aluminium, we save nine tonnes of CO2 emissions and preserve four metric tonnes of bauxite, a vital raw material for aluminium production.

Launching on June 5th and spanning the subsequent weekend, the International Recycling Tour 2024 will engage 16 cities across Europe, Brazil, and the U.A.E. Enthusiastic recycling ambassadors, exemplifying the mission to recycle drink cans consumed outside the home, will traverse vibrant cities, urban parks, popular beaches, and bustling festivals. These ambassadors, equipped with backpacks, will encourage individuals to recycle their empty cans on the go.

In harmony with the World Environment Day theme, #GenerationRestoration, the campaign will feature PixelCan installations. These striking artworks, composed of over 2,000 aluminium drink cans, depict four endangered animals—the polar bear, tiger, sea turtle, and chimpanzee—emphasising the adverse effects of ecosystem degradation. Each participating city will showcase one of these animals, inspiring individuals to join the global restoration movement and share their experiences on social media.

The nations involved include 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.

Addressing the pressing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly half by 2030 to curb global warming, Every Can Counts' mission aligns seamlessly with global decarbonisation goals. The United Nations emphasises that halting ecosystem degradation can prevent the extinction of one million endangered species. By restoring 15 percent of critical ecosystems, we can reduce extinctions by 60 percent through enhanced habitats.

Operating in 21 countries, Every Can Counts collaborates with drink brands, waste management companies, event organisers, and local authorities to inspire individuals to recycle. In 2023, the programme reached 183.5 million people worldwide and facilitated the recycling of over 55 million drink cans through strategic partnerships and events.

David Van Heuverswyn, Director of Every Can Counts Global, articulates the vision: "Our goal is to achieve 100% global drink can recycling. Every can recycled can be returned to shelves within 60 days. Campaigns like the International Recycling Tour illustrate the power of collective action, advancing a circular economy for the benefit of both people and nature."