The life Cycle Assessment (LCA) used in this calculation follows the standard of ISO 14040/14044 (ISO, 2006b) Environmental Management—Life Cycle Assessment.

The GHG emission calculations are based on a standard 375ml beverage can and uses the most recent, third-party reviewed data from each partner company. The GHG emissions calculations are for the upstream processes and materials and include all relevant material flows such as:
• Raw material extraction
• Transportation,
• Manufacturing,
• And energy related emissions.

The calculations undertaken for this project are only relevant to the manufacturing of the beverage can, including the upstream emissions to the transport the raw material to the Stone & Wood site.
The calculations exclude:
• The filling of the can,
• Transport to retailers,
• Use of product,
• And end of life of the can.

The average emissions intensity of the aluminium supplied by Visy was used for the standard can.

The GHG emissions intensity of the Re-in-CAN-ation can was based on the emissions intensity of low carbon aluminium specifically supplied by Novelis. The low carbon aluminium coils are unique to this project as it uses a mixture of recycled content (pre-and post-consumer recycled content) and primary aluminium. The primary aluminium is low carbon material supplied by Rio Tinto, rather than the standard mix from Novelis’ broader suppliers.

We have obtained third party review over the data calculation methodology and disclosures related to the aluminium beverage can GHG emissions.

Recycled content is the proportion (by mass) of recycled material in a product. Recycled material includes both pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled material (AS/ISO 14021: 2016).

The following methodology has been used to calculate the recycled content of the beverage can coils. The recycled content is calculated on a mass balance approach (an average) over a 12-month period from 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2024. This timeframe includes the date which the aluminium for this project was cast.

See each stage of the manufacturing process here.

‘Pre-consumer’ material is material diverted from the waste stream during manufacturing excluding reutilization of materials such as rework, regrind or scraps generated in a process and capable of being reclaimed within the same process
that generated it.

‘Post-consumer’ material is material waste generated by households or by commercial, industrial and institutional facilities in their role as end-users of the product which can no longer be used for its intended purpose, including returns of material from the distribution chain.
The reported Australian industry beverage can recycle content is from the latest Australia dataset (FY23 data) sourced from the Australian Packaging Consumption & Recovery Data 2022-23, Version 1 December 2024, Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO). Available here. 

Aluminium beverage cans are made from aluminium coil which includes a combination of recycled aluminium and virgin material (primary aluminium). 

Primary aluminium is made from mining bauxite, the basic raw material, which is then refined into alumina, and in turn sent to processing into aluminium. 
 
For this project, Australian bauxite and alumina were used to produce aluminium at Rio Tinto’s Bell Bay smelter in Tasmania, Australia. 

The aluminium smelting process that turns alumina into aluminium, is the most carbon intensive part of the aluminium production process. Therefore, the source of electricity used to power this process is key to influencing the greenhouse gas emissions intensity of the aluminium.  
 
Rio Tinto’s Bell Bay Aluminium smelter is largely powered by renewable electricity, thus allowing it to have a lower carbon emissions intensity of 6.0* per tonne of primary aluminium, compared to the global average of 16.8**. 

Beyond electricity, the greenhouse gas emissions related to the manufacture of aluminium are also related to the use of carbon anodes during the smelting process. Rio Tinto is working with partners to develop ELYSISTM , the world’s first carbon-free aluminium smelting process, and aiming to deploy the use of this technology beyond 2030 in its smelters, to remove emissions generated during this process.

*2019 Rio Tinto LCA (Validated by
external third party)

**  Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Intensity- Primary Aluminium - International Aluminium Institute (international aluminium.org), 2019 numbers

Cans are collected either through council-managed kerbside collection or can be dropped off at a return point under the Container Deposit Schemes (CDS) in each state.

From here cans are sorted and baled and can be processed into new cans. In order
to achieve a higher level of recycled content in our cans, we need more cans to be kept in the loop for them to be recycled. Individuals, government and companies have a huge opportunity to make a positive difference in this space.

We all have a responsibility, from consumer to government and producers. We need to raise awareness on the importance of the disposal of valuable resources in the right way to maximise their collection, recycling and reuse. The fact that only two thirds of our aluminium cans are currently recycled isn't good enough. We need governments and industry to educate the public and make it easier and more convenient for people to recycle. We hope projects like this are doing their part in raising awareness and making people excited to participate more.

Yes! Recycle more cans, spread the word and pick up litter where you see it. Participate in your local container deposit scheme or donate your local refunds to local community groups, schools or charities to help them raise funds. Make submissions to your local Council to provide greater access to recycling in public areas while also providing greater education and advocacy for correct disposal and recycling of materials. People should also demand greater access and education around recycling from their employers, local clubs and businesses.