The increased worldwide concern for protecting environmental resources means that conservation and recycling are major social issues. Since packaging is a considerable portion of the solid waste stream, it is no wonder that manufacturers and consumers alike are looking for products that reduce waste at the source and can be recycled.

The Environmental Package

Throughout its life cycle, the steel can demonstrates responsibility towards the environment. Investments in steelmaking have helped the industry reduce the amount of energy to produce a ton of steel by almost 40 percent within the past two decades. And during that time, air and water emissions have been reduced by more than 90 percent. No material is wasted in the steelmaking process. Even steel scrap generated in facilities is remelted to make new steel.

Scrap steel in canmaking operations is sent back to steelmakers so it can be used again. In addition, millions of consumers today are helping to recycle steel cans by including them in community recycling programs, from curbside recycling to drop-off centers. And resource recovery facilities recycle cans "automatically" with magnetic separation.

A Magnetic Attraction

Because steel is magnetic, it can be retrieved from the solid waste stream efficiently and economically. Steelmakers buy back the cans or any other used steel product and remelt them to begin the process all over again. The market for recycled cans includes steel mills, foundries and detinning facilities. New processes are being researched to enable even more steel scrap to be used in place of virgin materials.

• All steel products, including cans and other steel consumer packaging products, contain an average of 28 percent recycled steel, and some products are made from 100 percent recycled steel.
• Founded in 1988, the Steel Recycling Institute (SRI) works closely with steel-makers, canmakers, food companies and other private and public institutions to make steel recycling a reality that benefits everyone.
• The recyclable steel container is a prime example of source reduction in packaging. No unnecessary materials are used in the package itself.
• All steel products are completely recyclable and are being recycled today. With an overall rate of approximately 68 percent, more steel is recycled than all other materials combined. This is a distinct advantage for every steel product.