Every Can Counts, a prominent program advocating for drink can recycling, has inaugurated its UAE chapter. Launched at COP28 in Dubai, this initiative is supported by Emirates Global Aluminium, Crown, and Canpack, with the goal of elevating the UAE’s recycling rates from one-third to 100%.
The UAE, now the third non-European country to join after Brazil and the USA, consumes over 660 million aluminium drink cans annually, with only a third currently recycled. This stands in contrast to leading countries where recycling rates surpass 95%. The introduction of Every Can Counts is pivotal, given both the UAE’s recycling rates and the global imperative to combat climate change by reducing industry carbon footprints.
“If disposed of correctly, drink cans recycle forever, saving up to 95% of energy and CO2 emissions compared to cans made from primary aluminium,” says David Van Heuverswyn, Director of Every Can Counts Global. “Our mission is to inspire people to recycle their drink cans wherever they are, promoting aluminium’s sustainability.”
At COP28, stakeholders pledged to increase aluminium drink can recycling to 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2050. This ambitious target aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 60 million tonnes annually by 2030.
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO at EGA, emphasizes the importance of supportive policies and infrastructure for increasing recycling. Bartlomiej Wojdylo, Sustainability Director at CANPACK, expresses support for replicating successful recycling models in other countries. Sandrine Duquerroy-Delesalle, Director of Sustainability at Crown, applauds the industry’s collaborative efforts.
As part of its #Actionism theme at COP28, Every Can Counts UAE unveiled the #PixelCan installation, made from over 2000 aluminium drink cans, symbolizing the impact of individual actions on environmental sustainability. Recycling ambassadors equipped with QR-coded backpacks encouraged visitors to recycle cans on-site, emphasizing aluminium’s sustainable properties.
With this launch, Every Can Counts aims to instigate a significant shift towards full aluminium can recycling in the UAE, fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility.