Ball Corporation today is launching its most sustainable aluminum aerosol can globally, with only half the carbon footprint of a standard can. This will help support Ball’s ambition to achieve its 2030 science-based targets and net-zero emissions prior to 2050.

“With the impacts of climate change becoming more visible, we see a growing focus on efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of packaging,” said Jason Galley, Senior Director of Sustainability, Ball Aerosol Packaging. “People want a more sustainable future for the planet, and they seek out brands that are leading the way. In fact, research shows that 83% of global consumers believe it’s important or extremely important for companies to design products that can be reused or recycled. At Ball, we are helping brands leverage the green credentials of aluminum packaging to offer solutions that help people live more sustainably and improve the health of the planet.”

The company’s aerosol cans are designed through a holistic approach with the environment in mind. The new cans incorporate up to 50% recycled content as well as low carbon aluminum that has been smelted using renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric power. Producing cans with recycled content and low carbon aluminum helps support Ball’s progress toward reducing absolute value chain emissions by 16% by 2030. 

In addition, Ball is able to significantly reduce the weight of the packaging due to its ReAl® innovative alloy for the production of impact-extruded cans. The new Ball aerosol can is 30% lighter than a standard aluminum can, while fully retaining its strength and structure. Since 2014, over 2.2 billion ReAl cans have been used across the world – that’s the equivalent of 66,000 tonnes of CO2e saved. Ball aims for resource efficiency improvement with 50% of its aerosol can production made with lightweight ReAl alloy. With these increased sustainable attributes.

 “We are incredibly excited to bring to market an aerosol aluminum can with half the carbon footprint of a standard can, and we will continue to push the boundaries of sustainable innovation,” said Predrag Ozmo, Sustainability Manager, Ball Aerosol Packaging. “The urgency and benefits of moving toward a circular economy are clear – and aluminum packaging, because it is infinitely recyclable, is the closest to real circularity. Therefore, we are working with brand owners, industry associations, materials recovery facilities (MRF), remelters and consumers to raise awareness, and to increase the collection and recycling of aerosol containers.”

Infinitely recyclable and economically valuable, aluminum is the most sustainable packaging material and can be recycled endlessly without any loss of quality. In fact, 75% of aluminum ever produced around the world is still in use today.