Are aluminium cans more sustainable than plastic bottles?
Aluminium cans are often considered more environmentally sustainable than plastic bottles for bottled water due to several factors. Here's a comparison highlighting why aluminium cans have a better environmental profile:
Recyclability: Aluminium cans are highly recyclable, with a recycling rate of around 69% globally. In contrast, plastic bottles, especially those made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), have a lower recycling rate, estimated at around 29% and as low as 12% in Australia. Aluminium cans can be recycled repeatedly without losing their quality, whereas plastic bottles tend to degrade with each recycling cycle.
Material production: Aluminium production requires significant amounts of energy and generates greenhouse gas emissions. However, once the aluminium is produced, it can be recycled and reused multiple times, significantly reducing the need for primary production. In contrast, plastic bottles are typically made from fossil fuels and virgin materials, such as petroleum or natural gas, which contribute to carbon emissions and depend on non-renewable resources.
Energy savings: Aluminium cans require less energy to recycle than plastic bottles. According to the International Aluminium Institute, producing a recycled aluminium can uses approximately 95% less energy compared to producing a can from raw materials. In contrast, manufacturing plastic bottles from virgin materials demands more energy-intensive processes.
Waste reduction: Aluminium cans have a higher chance of being recycled compared to plastic bottles. With a higher recycling rate and better infrastructure for collection and processing, aluminium cans are more likely to be diverted from landfills and incineration, reducing waste and associated environmental impacts. Plastic bottles, especially if not properly disposed of, contribute to plastic pollution in oceans, rivers, and ecosystems.
Environmental impact: Aluminium is considered a permanent material, meaning it can be recycled indefinitely without significant loss of quality. This characteristic contributes to a lower environmental impact for aluminium cans throughout their lifecycle. In contrast, plastic bottles, even when recycled, typically undergo a downcycling process, leading to lower-quality plastic products that eventually end up in landfills or incinerators.
Circular economy potential: Aluminium cans are a valuable commodity in the recycling industry due to their high scrap value. This incentivizes the collection and recycling of aluminium cans, supporting a circular economy model where materials are continually reused. Plastic bottles, on the other hand, often face challenges in maintaining their value after recycling due to the lower quality of recycled plastic.