The carbon footprint of the cans is 95% less than that using average primary aluminum, according to Budweiser Brewing Group, the UK arm of AB InBev. The cans have are produced using a new inert anode aluminum technology, and produced using renewable electricity.
The pilot is run in conjunction with Rusal (the metals segment of EN+ Group and the world’s largest producer of low carbon aluminum); beverage can manufacturer Canpack; and Elval (an aluminum rolling expert and division of ElvalHalcor).
The metal is produced by replacing the usual primary aluminum with the ‘Allow Inerta’ - ultra-low carbon primary aluminum produced by Rusal with new emission-free inert anode technology.
The inert anode tech is operated by renewable energy and generates one thousandth of the current average emissions for the industry, according to the company. The full cradle to gate greenhouse gas of Allow Inerta – from bauxite to casthouse – come in at 85% lower than the industry average.
The new cans look and feel the same as existing ones, according to Maurico Coindreau, head of procurement and sustainability at Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I.
"This ultra-low carbon can has the lowest carbon footprint of any of our cans produced in Europe, however our customers won’t be able to tell the difference.
"From Autumn 2021, we’ll be rolling out this ultra-low carbon can, filled with beer brewed using 100% renewable electricity and using locally sourced ingredients.”
The cans are then filled at Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I breweries in Magor, South Wales and Samlesbury, Lancashire: powered by 100% renewable electricity.
“By partnering across the value chain, the can is traceable back to its source," notes Budweiser Brewing Group.
"It starts with Allow Inerta, produced with the breakthrough inert anode technology, and it is mixed with recycled aluminum.
This new formula achieves the lowest ever carbon footprint for an AB InBev Europe aluminum can, it is infinitely recyclable, and brings the future of low-carbon, sustainable packaging to consumers.
“The low-carbon cans will continue to support decarbonisation through their endless recyclability. Three quarters of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today and decarbonisation is accelerating in the industry, showing consumers can trust aluminum as a circular and low-carbon packaging material.”
