Aluminum cans support circular economy: TERI

NEW DELHI: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi conducted a one-of-its kind study of comparing the most commonly used beverage packaging substrates, the results of which show that Aluminum cans most fully support circular economy and have the lowest Global Warming Potential (GWP). The environmental sustainability of Aluminum cans, glass bottles, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles, and multi-layer packaging (MLP) was compared using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). GWP, water usage, acidification, and material circularity were among the 18 environmental impact categories examined. 250 ml and 500 ml Aluminum cans; 200 ml, 600 ml, and 750 ml PET bottles; 200 ml, 330 ml, and 650 ml glass bottles; and 200 ml MLP cartons were all evaluated in the study.

Aluminum cans, which are already the most recycled drinks container in the world, with a recycling rate of 69 per cent globally and 85 per cent in India, performed best in numerous impact categories, owing to their recyclability and light weight. In terms of GWP, the 200 ml MLP cartons came in second, followed by the 600 ml PET bottles. Due to their high energy intensive production and low recycled content, single-use glass bottles did not fare well across various impact categories. Commissioned by Ball Beverage, India, the report ‘Sustainable Beverage Packaging Options in India: A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment Study,’ was presented to Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Government of India on June 13, in New Delhi. The study examined a ‘cradle to grave’ cycle of substrates using India-specific data and the LCA tool. This covers raw material extraction, primary and secondary packaging material manufacturing, transportation across stages in the value chain, and end-of-life considerations.

According to Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, the study has been brought out at a time of growing environmental consciousness among Indian consumers.