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Alcoa has launched a corporate recycling website detailing how aluminium recycling is part of the clean air solution.
The website (link below this article) explains why it’s important to recycle and how recycling helps the environment and the economy. A video explains how the ultimate recyclable package – the aluminium beverage can – is recycled and brought back to the grocery shelf in 60 days or less as a brand new soda can. Recycled aluminium requires 95% less energy to produce and can be recycled many times, reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
The site also provides tools to find recycling centres for consumers and businesses, links to recycling organisations, information on how to become an Alcoa-approved recycler, fun facts, an interactive recycling blog, and a selection of YouTube videos from recycling enthusiasts.
Recycling history Alcoa pioneered the recycling of aluminium 30 years ago when it formed Alcoa Recycling Company, when the popularity of aluminium cans began to explode. Today, the US recycling rate is among the lowest in the world, even though Americans are the biggest users of aluminium beverage cans.
“At that time, and today, our mission is the same: to help the public understand the importance of recycling," said Greg Wittbecker, Director, Alcoa Metal Recycling Strategy. "But today, recycling is even more critical, because recycling aluminium is a key element to slow and stop the growth of greenhouse gases caused by power generation. Recycling aluminium is the smart choice."
Alcoa has also called upon aluminium industry leaders to raise the used beverage can recycling rate in North America to 75% by 2015 from its current level of 52%. In addition, with the goal of boosting recycling and energy savings, Alcoa upgraded its Tennessee Operations by installing environmental and fuel-efficient technologies to expand recycling capacity by nearly 50%.
About Alcoa Alcoa is a world leader in the production and management of primary aluminium, fabricated aluminium and alumina combined, through its active and growing participation in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers.