Aluminum Cans Carry Lower Carbon Footprint than Glass or Plastic Equivalents in Beverage Transportation and Refrigeration, Finds New Study

Overall, the study finds that on a per liter beverage basis, emissions associated with transporting and cooling aluminum cans are 7 to 21 percent lower than plastic bottles and 35 to 49 percent lower than glass bottles, depending on the size of the comparative bottles as well as the types of refrigerators in which beverage is cooled prior to consumption.

On a per container basis, the associated emissions of beverage packaged in a 12-oz aluminum can is 45 percent lower than in a 12-oz glass bottle and 49 percent lower than in a 20-oz plastic bottle when delivered and chilled in small markets and convenience stores.

The study analyzed the standard serving size for each container, which can vary, as well as a per-ounce equivalent . In both scenarios, the shape, dimensions, weight and material of the aluminum can offered higher packaging and cooling efficiencies that resulted in less energy needed and lower emissions.

"As the world focuses on low-carbon solutions, it is important to understand where the opportunities are to make a real difference," said Heidi Brock, President & CEO of the Aluminum Association. "The study underscores the advantages of the aluminum can when it comes to sustainability."

The goal of this study is to provide greater insight into the lifecycle GHG impacts and energy use associated with the transportation and refrigeration of aluminum beverage containers, and how these impacts compare to alternative beverage containers. While the production and recycling of beverage cans have been studied previously, the new research considered emissions associated with the service life of the product – the so-called "use phase."

"As more attention is paid to carbon emissions associated with the entire value chain of a product, the Aluminum Association asked ICF to look at the carbon footprint of a beverage container's use phase," said Marian Van Pelt, Vice President at ICF International. "Across all scenarios studied, aluminum has lower associated use-phase emissions than comparable glass or plastic containers."

Key findings include:

• Transportation: The space efficiency and lower packaging weight during transportation offered by aluminum results in 35% lower emissions than glass bottles on a per ounce basis.
• Refrigeration: Space efficiency during beverage cooling allows for lower GHG emissions for aluminum cans compared to both glass bottles and plastic bottles. The largest GHG emissions savings from aluminum cans compared to other containers are seen in supermarket refrigerators.

For more information on the study and previous research associated with the carbon footprint and life cycle analysis of the aluminum can, please visit http://www.aluminum.org/canadvantage. To download the full report, please visit http://www.aluminum.org/sustainabilityreports.

The Aluminum Association represents U.S. and foreign-based companies and their suppliers throughout the value chain, from primary production to value added products to recycling.  The Association is the industry's leading voice, providing global standards, business intelligence, sustainability research and industry expertise to member companies, policymakers and the general public. The aluminum industry helps manufacturers produce sustainable and innovative products, including more fuel efficient vehicles, recyclable packaging, greener buildings and modern electronics.  In the U.S., the aluminum industry creates $186 billion in economic activity. For more information visit www.Aluminum.org, on Twitter @AluminumNews or at Facebook.com/AluminumAssociation.  

About ICF International
ICF (NASDAQ:ICFI) is a global consulting and technology services provider with nearly 6,000 professionals focused on making big things possible for our clients. We are business analysts, public policy experts, technologists, researchers, digital strategists, social scientists and creatives. Since 1969, government and commercial clients have worked with ICF to overcome their toughest challenges on issues that matter profoundly to their success. Come engage with us at www.icf.com.

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SOURCE The Aluminum Association

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