Visy has announced the production of a new sustainable beverage can with an average of 83 per cent recycled content.
The cans are being manufactured locally at Visy’s facility in Yatala, Queensland, as part of an 18-month pilot project called Re-In-Can-Ation, Visy said in a news release.
The initiative is a collaboration between Visy, brewer Stone & Wood, beverage company Lion, aluminium coil supplier Novelis, and mining giant Rio Tinto.
The project aims to enhance the sustainability of beverage packaging by increasing the proportion of recycled aluminium while also incorporating low-carbon primary aluminium from Rio Tinto’s Bell Bay smelter in Tasmania.
Kate Baker, Visy’s General Manager Circular Economy & Sustainability, emphasised the environmental benefits of the initiative, stating that the new cans contain nearly a quarter more recycled aluminium than the Australian average.
“By packing this can with recycled content, we’re conserving resources and keeping more waste out of landfill. Even better, these cans are easily recycled after use, so you can enjoy your beer while contributing to a circular economy,” Baker said.
She added that the collaboration demonstrates the potential of working with suppliers and food and beverage customers to drive innovation in sustainable packaging.
“We continuously work with all our customers to look at ways to increase recycled content in their packaging, and this more sustainable beverage can has set a new benchmark for sustainability.”
Lion’s Sustainability Director, Justin Merrell, noted the alignment of this project with the company’s decarbonisation goals.
“We are grateful to work with a supplier aligned to our ambitious decarbonisation pathway that understands the importance of collaboration to make an impact. The estimated 59% carbon emission reduction achieved with this packaging is a great proof point for a strong circular economy and trusted partnerships,” Merrell said.
The new beverage can incorporates materials sourced through a coordinated supply chain. Novelis processes the aluminium coil using both low-carbon primary aluminium from Rio Tinto and recycled aluminium, some of which is collected by Visy through kerbside recycling and container deposit schemes.
Stone & Wood, an accredited carbon-neutral brewery, is sourcing materials locally to support the initiative.
