As we continue to consume resources at an alarming rate, it’s necessary to consider sustainable alternatives to our everyday practices. One such practice we can explore is the use of cans, and how we can make them part of a sustainable tomorrow.
While cans have been a staple of the food and beverage industry for decades, there’s a growing concern about their impact on the environment. The good news is that there are ways to address these concerns and make cans a more sustainable option.
What are cans?
Cans are a popular packaging option used by the food and beverage industry. They’re typically made of aluminum or steel and come in various sizes and shapes. Cans are airtight and preserve the contents inside, making them a preferred packaging option for perishable products.
The impact of cans on the environment
While cans are a convenient option for packaging, they’re not without their drawbacks. One of the most significant concerns surrounding cans is their impact on the environment.
Manufacturing process
Manufacturing cans requires a significant amount of energy, primarily electricity. The production process generates greenhouse gases and contributes to air pollution.
Disposal
Cans are recyclable, but their disposal still poses a challenge. If they end up in landfills, they can take up to 200 years to decompose, releasing harmful chemicals into the soil and air.
Making cans more sustainable
Despite their drawbacks, using cans doesn’t have to be unsustainable. There are several ways that cans can be used more sustainably:
Recycling
The most significant sustainability advantage of cans is that they’re recyclable. Recycling aluminum cans, for instance, saves up to 95% of the energy needed to create new cans. If recycling becomes the norm, the number of cans in landfills decreases significantly.
Lightweighting
Lightweighting is a process that involves reducing the thickness of the can while still maintaining its structural integrity. A thinner can requires less material, which ultimately reduces the environmental impact of the manufacturing process.
Design for recycling
Designing cans for recyclability is another sustainable solution. Labels and other non-metal components can hinder the recycling process. By designing cans that are easy to recycle or have recyclable components, the number of cans in the landfill decreases, and their environmental impact reduces.
Advantages of using cans
Despite their drawbacks, using cans has several advantages, including:
Packaging efficiency
Cans occupy less volume, making them an ideal packaging solution, particularly for transportation. Transporting products in cans reduces fuel consumption, lowering the carbon footprint associated with product transportation.
Preservation of contents
Cans are airtight, which helps keep the contents inside fresh. Air, light, and moisture can spoil the contents, significantly reducing their shelf life. Using cans as packaging can help preserve the contents’ quality, contributing to food security and reducing food waste.
Convenience
Additionally, cans are convenient for consumers because they’re easy to store and dispose of. Cans don’t require much space, and they can be recycled easily, making them a convenient packaging option.
The future of cans
Cans may have a more sustainable future. The cans of the next generation may have a reduced environmental impact while still providing the same advantages.
Bioplastics
Bioplastics have emerged as a possible solution to the problem of sustainability in the canning industry. The most common bioplastics are made from renewable resources, making them a more sustainable option.
Recycling technology
The development of new recycling technologies will also play a role in the future of cans. These technologies will improve the efficiency of the recycling process, increasing the number of cans that get recycled.
Conclusion
Cans can be a sustainable option for food and beverage packaging. This can be achieved by recycling cans, designing them for recyclability, and lightweighting them. The use of cans can contribute to food security, reduce waste, and decrease the carbon footprint associated with product transportation.
References
- Can Manufacturers Institute. Environmental Sustainability in the Aluminum Can Industry. https://www.cancentral.com/sustainability. Accessed 27 May 2021.
- United States Environmental Protection Agency. Advancing Sustainable Materials Management: 2018 Fact Sheet. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2018-07/documents/2018_smmfactsheet_508.pdf. Accessed 28 May 2021.
- American Beverage Association. Aluminum Beverage Cans: The Ultimate in Sustainable Packaging. https://www.americanbeverage.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Cans_The_Ultimate_Sustainable_Packaging_Tablet.pdf. Accessed 28 May 2021.
FAQs
-
Are cans sustainable?
Cans can be sustainable when recycled properly. Recycling aluminum cans, for instance, saves up to 95% of the energy needed to create new cans.
-
Why are cans harmful to the environment?
Cans can be harmful to the environment because of their manufacturing process and their disposal. The production process generates greenhouse gases, while cans in landfills can take up to 200 years to decompose, releasing harmful chemicals into the soil and air.
-
What is lightweighting?
Lightweighting is a process that involves reducing the thickness of the can while still maintaining its structural integrity. A thinner can requires less material, which ultimately reduces the environmental impact of the manufacturing process.
-
What are bioplastics?
Bioplastics are plastics that are made from renewable resources such as cornstarch, sugarcane, or potato starch. These plastics have a lower environmental impact than conventional plastics because they emit fewer greenhouse gases.
-
Why are cans a convenient packaging option?
Cans are convenient for consumers because they’re easy to store and dispose of. They don’t require much space, and they can be recycled easily, making them an excellent packaging option for perishable products.