Sonoco is heading an initiative to enhance the recycling of paper containers with steel bottoms. This report details their approach to sustainability and efforts to integrate these containers into the steel recycling stream in North America.
Sustainability Goals:
Sonoco aims to divert up to 135,000 tons of paper containers with steel bottoms from landfills annually by proving that this type of packaging can be effectively recycled within the steel stream. This effort aligns with reducing the climate change impact compared to landfilling and supports reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Packaging Design:
The can body's paperboard is make from 100% recycled fiber. They also feature an oxygen and moisture barrier to optimize shelf life and protect against food spoilage, thereby also reducing food waste.
Recycling Challenges:
Despite the technical feasibility of recycling, local recycling facilities’ policies and capabilities significantly influence whether these containers can be processed. Sonoco’s paper container with steel bottom is designed to be compatible with steel stream recycling, considering it offers environmental benefits.
Recyclability Studies and Trials:
Sonoco conducted sortation trials at Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in different states to confirm that these containers could effectively be sorted and recycled in the steel stream. Results showed high capture rates comparable to all-steel cans, indicating successful integration into the steel recycling process.
Environmental Impact:
A streamlined Life Cycle Assessment indicated that recycling these containers in the steel stream has a significantly lower climate change impact compared to landfilling. The Can Manufacturers Institute notes that using recycled steel to produce new steel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75%.
Future Prospects for Recycling:
Sonoco is exploring further improvements in recycling paper containers by targeting the laminated paper container recycling stream. Trials in both the U.S. and Europe have demonstrated the potential to recover and recycle both the fiber and steel components of the container.