When you reach for an ice cold can of your favorite beverage, you’re not just grabbing a drink you’re choosing a piece of packaging with a story.
Aluminum cans have long been a staple of the beverage industry, celebrated for their durability and incredible recyclability. But before you crack open that next can, it’s worth considering what lies just beneath the surface.
The health conversation around aluminum cans isn’t about the aluminum itself, but about the liner that protects your drink from the metal. For years, this lining was made with bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical known to be an endocrine disruptor. While the industry has widely moved towards BPA-free liners, this hasn’t completely settled the debate. Researchers are now looking at the chemicals used in these newer liners, some of which may have similar properties to BPA.
Another, often overlooked, aspect of the can is its exterior. Think about where a can has been before it gets to you a factory floor, a shipping truck, a warehouse, and a store shelf. The top of that can accumulates dust, dirt, and bacteria. While the risk of getting sick from this is low, a quick wipe with a cloth is a small step you can take to make your drinking experience a little cleaner.
But here’s the good news the aluminum can has a huge advantage in the sustainability department. It is one of the most recycled materials on the planet, with a recycling rate that far surpasses plastic. The process of recycling aluminum uses significantly less energy than creating new cans from raw materials. This makes aluminum cans a champion of the circular economy, reducing landfill waste and minimizing environmental impact.
In the end, the aluminum can is a story of a good idea with a few potential compromises. While the lining is still a topic of discussion, its environmental benefits are clear.
If you’re looking for a better option than plastic, an aluminum can is a great step. But for the ultimate in clean and sustainable hydration, nothing beats a reusable bottle of your own.