The perils of using plastics are known to all, and with the growing environmental concerns, industries are actively seeking other sustainable alternatives. The rising popularity of aluminium for its recycling and other abilities has earned it the nickname 'Green Metal'. According to The Aluminium Association, the aluminium recycling rates in industries such as construction and automobiles are 90%.
Manufacturers and consumer brands today have an eye on aluminium due to various reasons, including its tensile strength and reusability. As per a recent publication by a company that vehemently talks against climate change and global environmental challenges, it is the metal that is “infinitely recyclable.” It promises huge energy savings and hence, is the cynosure of many industries. One of the industries where manufacturers are enthusiastically embracing aluminium is- packaging. According to world aluminium data revealed in 2018, amongst the end-users of aluminium in 2017, the packaging industry accounted for 12% of the entire consumption.
Redefining packaging with aluminium:
The conversation of transitioning from plastic to aluminium predominantly revolves around the packaging industry, and it has good share evidence advocating its case. From takeaway containers to soda cans, aluminium has made its mark everywhere. Although plastic containers are still widely used in the food and beverage industry, it is time to shift to aluminium. According to Verified Market Research, the market size for aluminium foil used for food packaging was valued at USD 13.76 billion in 2020. By 2028, it is expected to hit USD 18.72 billion, with a CAGR of 4 per cent from 2020 to 2028.
But what contributed to this growth? The rising demand in the FMCG industry is responsible for escalating the need for aluminium containers and packaging. The metal is finding its use in tetra packs, cans, folding packs, and aerosol packaging.
One of the reasons that the F&B industry is turning to aluminium is because it has strong corrosion resistance and chemical neutrality. Today's conscious consumers care about the packaging their food comes in, and aluminium seems to be the best non-toxic choice.
Besides, aluminium packaging (flexible or semi-rigid) -
- Gives assured protection- due to its high barrier property, aluminium provides perfect protection against light, oxygen, moisture, odour, and harmful microorganisms, thereby increasing the shelf-life of the products by many years.
- Aids product consumption- whether it is flexible packaging (foils), semi-rigid packaging or rigid containers, aluminium facilitates hassle-free unpacking of consumables while ensuring zero spillage in sealed condition.
- It is lightweight yet sturdy- it can withstand moderate to high pressure without giving in.
- Facilitates easy transportation and storage.
- Provides a versatile surface for printing and branding the product.
- Follows a cradle-to-cradle life cycle, i.e. it can be recycled again and again without any loss of inherent properties.
The study by Verified Market Research segregated the markets into four regions, namely, North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Rest of the world, to investigate the usage and demand for aluminium packaging globally. It was found that in 2020, North America was leading the game, as there was a high demand for packaged food and beverages.
The Asia Pacific followed the trend and is likely to catch up owing to its large population. This will drive the demand for aluminium packaging in nations like India, China, Indonesia, and others.
Despite the clear benefits of aluminium, some experts are still in two minds about swapping one material for another without more apparent evidence of environmental benefits. However, besides packaging and the F&B industry, aluminium also proves to be a safer alternative for electronic gadgets like laptops.
Aluminium v/s plastic in laptops:
There is a hot debate going on in the tech world regarding the merits of aluminium bodies v/s plastic bodies in laptops. Although plastic-bodied laptops are lighter to carry, they have their own disadvantages. According to the European Plastic Production factsheet, ABS plastic used in making laptops produces 310 kg of carbon dioxide per kg of ABS plastic. Such plastic can take up to 1000 years to degrade.
Additionally, because the thermal conductivity of plastic is low, it cannot dissipate the internal heat and damage the batteries in the long run. Plastic laptops are also fragile and break easily. Therefore the use of aluminium in making laptops can be seen rising due to its benefits. Moreover, recycled aluminium can be used in making laptops.
Aluminium recycling and reusing:
The actual merits of aluminium over plastic lie in recycling and reusing. Recycling is a critical activity in the aluminium industry. Unlike plastics, aluminium does not end up in landfill and pollute the land or water bodies for the next 50 years.
A report by the aluminium Association indicates that recycling aluminium uses only 5% of the energy required to produce new aluminium. Therefore, recycling aluminium saves energy, reduces carbon emissions, and saves the manufacturers' and consumers' money. Furthermore, it says that 75% of the aluminium made to date is still in use due to recycling and reusing.
The best part about reusing aluminium containers is that it can be done at home without any fancy equipment. Rinsing off an aluminium bottle and using it for any other purpose can be a common yet conscious household practice.
Industry experts see immense potential in aluminium recycling in India. In a report published in 2017, it was stated that out of 3.3 million tonnes of aluminium consumed in India every year, 30% is secondary aluminium. As the modern economy of India is shaping up, a full-blown recycling sector will come to life, thanks to aluminium recycling.
Bottom line:
With all the incredible benefits that aluminium brings to the table for the human race and the environment, now is the time to take the leap and adopt the green metal.
