The global market for beverage cans is experiencing remarkable growth. According to recent forecasts, the market size was valued at USD 25.31 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 36.59 billion by 2027*, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% during the forecast period. This growth phenomenon is driven by various factors, including the increasing demand for refreshing beverages and the popularity of cans as a convenient and attractive packaging option.
However, this renewed interest raises questions about the environmental and health impacts of beverage cans, particularly regarding the durability of the materials used and the potential health risks associated with the chemicals contained in these packages. This phenomenon warrants further analysis.
*Source : https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/de/markt-f-r-getr-nkedosen-104706
Are Aluminium Cans More Environmentally Friendly than Glass?
The environmental friendliness of aluminium cans compared to glass depends on several factors, such as energy consumption, recyclability, transport efficiency, and the overall life cycle analysis (LCA) of the materials. Glass has long been associated with purity, quality, and durability. Unlike aluminium cans, glass in return systems can often be reused up to 50 times before being recycled. Even during recycling, glass retains its original quality, remains a 100% natural material, and avoids downcycling.
The production of aluminium cans, however, involves the mining of bauxite, which causes significant environmental damage. In contrast, glass is made from sand, lime, and soda—natural and abundantly available resources. Furthermore, glass is taste-neutral, ensuring that beverages are free from chemical residues or potential health risks. Aluminium cans, on the other hand, often feature an inner coating that may contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical suspected of being harmful to health and particularly scrutinised in beverage cans. Glass, being entirely free of chemicals, taste-neutral, and residue-free, offers a safer alternative.
With its ability to close the loop indefinitely without losing quality, glass stands out as the clear, more environmentally friendly option for sustainable and long-term consumption.
New EU Regulations: Less Packaging, More Reuse and Recycling
The European Union has adopted new regulations aimed at reducing packaging waste while promoting reuse and recycling. These measures are designed to minimise the environmental impact of packaging and strengthen the circular economy.
What Do the New EU Regulations Entail?
Reducing Packaging and Restricting Certain Types of Packaging
Less packaging and restricting certain packaging formats. The agreement sets packaging reduction targets (5% by 2030, 10% by 2035 and 15% by 2040) and requires EU countries to reduce, in particular, the amount of plastic packaging waste.
According to the deal, certain single use plastic packaging formats, such as packaging for unprocessed fresh fruit and vegetables, packaging for foods and beverages filled and consumed in cafés and restaurants, individual portions (for e.g. condiments, sauces, creamer, sugar), accommodation miniature packaging for toiletry products and shrink-wrap for suitcases in airports, would be banned from 1 January 2030.
MEPs also ensured a ban on very lightweight plastic carrier bags (below 15 microns), unless required for hygiene reasons or provided as primary packaging for loose food to help prevent food wastage.
Banning the use of “forever chemicals”
To prevent adverse health effects, Parliament secured the introduction of a ban on the use of so called “forever chemicals” (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances or PFASs) in food contact packaging.
Encouraging reuse and refill options for consumers
Negotiators agreed to set a specific target for reusable packaging for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (except e.g. milk, wine, aromatised wine, spirits) by 2030 (at least 10%). Member states may grant a five-year derogation from these requirements under certain conditions.
Final distributors of beverages and take-away food in the food service sector would be obliged to offer consumers the option of bringing their own container. They would also be required to endeavour to offer 10% of products in a reusable packaging format by 2030.
In addition, at Parliament’s request, member states are required to incentivise restaurants, canteens, bars, cafés and catering services to serve tap water, (where available, for free or for a low service fee) in a reusable or refillable format.
Recyclable packaging, better waste collection and recycling
Negotiators agreed that all packaging should be recyclable, fulfilling strict criteria to be defined through secondary legislation. Certain exemptions are foreseen for lightweight wood, cork, textile, rubber, ceramic, porcelain or wax.
Other agreed measures include:
– minimum recycled content targets for any plastic part of packaging;
– minimum recycling targets by weight of packaging waste generated and increased recyclability requirements;
– 90% of single use plastic and metal beverage containers (up to three litres) to be collected separately by 2029 (deposit-return systems).*
Reusing Glass Bottles: Industrial Bottle Cleaning
Industrial cleaning of glass bottles, especially returnable ones, is a key step in reducing the environmental impact of single-use packaging. It is time to revisit past practices and refocus on reusable bottles. What was once common practice—returning bottles to the store or producer—should once again become a part of our daily routines. Together, we can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Cleaning your bottles not only provides ecological benefits but also makes smart economic sense. Here are the key points:
- 85% CO₂ Reduction
Cleaning bottles reduces CO₂ emissions by an impressive 85% compared to producing new bottles—making a significant contribution to climate protection. - Savings on Packaging Materials
With the new Univerre crates, less cardboard packaging is needed, saving resources and costs. - Cost Efficiency Through Balance
A balanced approach between cleaning your bottles and purchasing new ones reduces the costs of new glass. This solution is both economical and environmentally friendly. Additionally, free home delivery is available for orders of six or more combined pallets (new bottles and cleaned glass). - Sustainability as a Selling Point
Your commitment to reusable bottles sends a strong message to your customers. Show them that you share their ecological values and actively practice sustainability. - Savings on VEG Fees
By cleaning your bottles, you can save between 4 and 6 centimes per bottle on VEG fees, easing your budget while promoting the reuse of your bottles.
