The International Aluminium Institute (IAI) have published a report highlighting the circular potential of aluminium beverage cans in closed-loop recycling.

The report, “Can-to-Can Recycling: Performance, Potential and Pathways”, compares real recycling rates, can-to-can recycling performance, and the fate of cans not returned to the cycle.

While 71% of aluminium cans placed on the market are recycled, only 33% are made back into new cans, leaving significant untapped potential.

The key findings from the report include:

  • Aluminium cans lead globally: 33% (140 billion cans) are recycled back into cans — versus 7% for PET and 20% for glass.
  • Capacity for higher closed-loop rates: 87% of all recycled cans could be turned back into cans today without changing alloys or remelter operations — yet only 47% currently make that journey.
  • Downcycling remains a challenge: More than 20% of cans are used in products like engine blocks, where incompatible alloys prevent return to the can cycle.

With full circularity (95% can-to-can) and near-100% collection, as well as compatible alloys and high-quality scrap, nearly six trillion new cans could be produced from the same input.

Achieving this transformation requires high collection rates, clean UBC scrap, recycling-friendly alloy design and global policies to minimise contamination and scrap leakage.

Marlen Bertram, IAI Director of Scenario Forecasts, stated: “This analysis shows that aluminium cans aren’t just recyclable — they’re a blueprint for circularity.

“But true circularity demands more than collection. It eventually requires smart alloy design, clean recycling streams, and infrastructure that keeps valuable materials in play.”

Regional insights from the report includes:

  • United States: World-leading 97% closed-loop rate, but overall recycling is just 43%.
  • Thailand: Strong performance with 72% of cans returning to cans.
  • Vietnam: Lowest can-to-can rate, hindered by export duties and missing infrastructure.

A global call to action aims for 87% of recycled aluminium cans to be returned to can production, maximising both material and economic value worldwide.

Read the full report here.