Sustainable Milestone: Every Can Counts Initiative Debuts in the United Arab Emirates at COP28
In a groundbreaking move, Every Can Counts has officially commenced operations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), introducing a transformative initiative to propel aluminium can recycling to new heights. Unveiled at COP28 in Dubai, this chapter of Every Can Counts is supported by industry leaders, including Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and can manufacturers Crown and CANPACK. The mission is clear: elevate the UAE’s recycling rates from a mere one-third to an ambitious 100%, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce environmental impact.
UAE’s Path to 100% Recycling: As the third non-European nation to join the Every Can Counts initiative, the UAE is set to revolutionize its recycling landscape. With an annual consumption of over 660 million aluminium drink cans, of which only a third are currently recycled, this initiative aims to bridge the gap to achieve rates on par with leading countries, surpassing the 95% mark. Every Can Counts emphasizes the critical role of correct disposal and consumer behavior in achieving this vision.
Sustainability in Every Can: Aluminium drink cans, when disposed of correctly and recycled, contribute significantly to sustainability efforts. Boasting the potential to save up to 95% of energy and CO2 emissions compared to cans made from primary aluminium, Every Can Counts seeks to increase nationwide recycling rates. By doing so, it aims to drastically reduce the staggering 440 million cans that currently end up in landfills annually, making a substantial impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Global Commitment at COP28: During COP28, a unified call resonated among key global players in the aluminium industry, including Every Can Counts. Pledging to elevate the recycling rate of aluminium drink cans to 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2050, the industry acknowledges its role in contributing to the 1.5-degree target. With an anticipated surge in drink can consumption from 420 billion in 2020 to 630 billion by 2030, achieving these targets would annually save 60 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
Collaborative ‘Can Do’ Attitude: Realizing these ambitious goals necessitates a collective effort, involving consumers, educational institutions, drink brands, can manufacturers, aluminium suppliers and recyclers, waste management companies, local authorities, governments, and NGOs. Every Can Counts UAE serves as a catalyst for fostering this collaborative ‘can do’ attitude, actively engaging stakeholders in a shared vision of sustainability.
Voices of Industry Leaders: Industry leaders express enthusiasm for Every Can Counts UAE. Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO at EGA, emphasizes the infinite recyclability of aluminium and the need for supportive policies and infrastructure development. CANPACK’s Sustainability Director, Bartlomiej Wojdylo, underscores the recyclability of aluminium beverage cans and aims to inspire consumers in the UAE. Crown’s Director of Sustainability & External Affairs, Sandrine Duquerroy-Delesalle, applauds the industry’s collective efforts and highlights the significance of circularity in sustainability.
Art Meets #Actionism: Aligning with COP28’s theme of #Actionism, Every Can Counts UAE delivers a powerful statement through its #PixelCan installation. This art piece, created from over 2000 aluminium drink cans, portrays a young woman holding Planet Earth—a symbolic representation of the profound impact of small, everyday actions like recycling drink cans on environmental sustainability. The initiative further features recycling ambassadors and QR-coded backpacks to actively track and encourage recycling at the event.
Source: GlassBalkan
