Ball unveils its most eco-friendly aluminum aerosol can en route to net-zero emissions

28 Jun 2022 --- Ball Corporation is launching what it says is the company’s most environmentally sustainable aluminum aerosol can to date. Containing half the carbon footprint of a standard can, the release is intended to support Ball’s ambition to achieve its 2030 science-based targets and net-zero emissions before 2050. 

“With the impacts of climate change becoming more visible, we see a growing focus on efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of packaging,” says Jason Galley, senior director of sustainability, Ball Aerosol Packaging. 

“People want a more [environmentally] sustainable future for the planet, and they seek out brands leading the way. Research shows that 83% of global consumers believe it’s important or extremely important for companies to design products that can be reused or recycled.” 

Innova Market Insights found this year that 13% of global consumers agree that packaging made from recycled materials is the most environmentally sustainable option. 

Inside the cans 
Ball’s aerosol cans are designed through a holistic approach with the environment in mind. The new cans incorporate up to 50% recycled content and low-carbon aluminum that has been smelted using renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric power. 

Producing cans with recycled content and low carbon aluminum helps support Ball’s progress toward reducing absolute value chain emissions by 16% by 2030, says the company. 

In addition, Ball has been able to significantly reduce the weight of the packaging due to its ReAl innovative alloy for producing impact-extruded cans. The new Ball aerosol can is 30% lighter than a standard aluminum can while fully retaining its strength and structure. 

Since 2014, over 2.2 billion ReAl cans have been used globally – the equivalent of 66,000 metric tons of carbon emissions saved. Ball says it aims for resource efficiency improvement with 50% of its aerosol can production made with lightweight ReAl alloy. 

Predrag Ozmo, sustainability manager for Ball Aerosol Packaging, also says the company intends to continue pushing the boundaries of sustainable innovation. 

“The urgency and benefits of moving toward a circular economy are clear – and aluminum packaging, because it is infinitely recyclable, is the closest to real circularity. Therefore, we are working with brand owners, industry associations, materials recovery facilities, remelters and consumers to raise awareness and increase the collection and recycling of aerosol containers.”

Infinitely recyclable and economically valuable, Ball emphasizes that aluminum is “the most sustainable packaging material and can be recycled endlessly without any loss of quality. In fact, 75% of aluminum ever produced worldwide is still in use today.” 

Aluminum troubles
While aluminum is often touted for its recyclability potential, the material has faced serious issues due to global market shifts in the past year. Production practices account for some of the largest shares of global carbon emissions globally. 

In November, US and EU leaders agreed to halt an aluminum and steel trade war that began under the Trump presidency. The move came to break China’s grip on the global market, on which China has a monopoly.

By Louis Gore-Langton