Amcor Capsules and Aludium launch low-carbon aluminum for alcohol applications
28 Jun 2023 --- Amcor Capsules and Aludium are marketing aluminum for use in screw caps with more than a 50% reduction in carbon footprint compared to primary aluminum sold in Europe.
Compared to primary aluminum produced in China, the product by Amcor Capsules and Aludium, made in Europe, North America and South America, represents an average carbon footprint reduction of more than 80%.
“Our aluminum screw caps have been made using exclusively European-based aluminum, resulting in an average CO2 emission that is already lower than any other region. As a result, Amcor screw caps are well positioned against other screw caps on the market that use a blend of European and non-European aluminum,” Yannick Magnon, Amcor Capsules general manager, tells Packaging Insights.
“Our collaboration with Aludium and the innovative use of a low CO2 aluminum offers an even better CO2 profile than ever before for Amcor screw caps.”
Aluminum represents approximately 95% of a screwcap’s CO2 emissions, explains Magnon. “Reducing CO2 emissions of the aluminum base is the most important challenge to truly lowering the carbon footprint of screw caps.”
Compared to primary aluminum produced in China, the new product has a carbon footprint reduction of 80% (Image credit: Amcor Capsules).Low-carbon alternative
The new technology is said to produce less than four metric tons of CO2 equivalent per ton of aluminum from raw material extraction until delivery. The saving is made possible due to the combined use of recycled content and carefully selecting low-carbon primary aluminum.
“We are already leading the market with 96% of our products being recycle-ready. But we want to go further and reduce the levels of CO2 emitted during manufacturing. Our aluminum screw caps now offer a more sustainable alternative for wine and spirits brands and distributors,” says Bertrand Daru, sustainability director at Amcor Capsules.
Michael Brandner, specialities sales director at aluminum supplier Aludium, adds: “As a pioneer in offering certified low-carbon aluminum alloys to the market, Aludium is delighted to work with Amcor to continue to push for greater sustainability in packaging solutions. Thanks to heavy investments in Aludium assets, technology and processes, we are helping customers and end users achieve their carbon reduction targets.”
The GHG emissions produced by this improved generation of aluminum are verified by a third party and certified according to ISO-14067-1:2018 and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Standards. This certification process has been “rigorously” carried out between Amcor Capsules and Aludium to offer total transparency of the aluminum carbon footprint.
“We strongly believe that only by collaborating with aluminum suppliers and addressing the technical roadblocks can support manufacturers drive the industry toward lower carbon closures in the future,” concludes Magnon.
By Natalie Schwertheim
