Pop Top Lock reclosable can aim to inspire brands to implement clear directions for recycling labels on products, at events, concerts, or any business.

The Sustainable Packaging Coalition. The SPC Events are the convening place for thought leaders, value chain stakeholders and companies interested in learning, collaborating and taking action in sustainable packaging.

1. Plastic Wraps Are Difficult to Separate

• Many beverage brands use plastic shrink sleeves or labels for branding, especially for limited-edition or craft beverages.

• These plastic wraps are not easily removable, and most consumers don’t take the time to peel them off before recycling.

• Recycling facilities often don’t have the capability to separate the plastic wrap from the aluminum, leading to contamination.

2. Sorting Machines Can Misidentify Wrapped Cans

• Automated recycling systems use sensors to sort materials.

• Aluminum cans with plastic wraps can be misidentified as plastic instead of metal, sending them to the wrong recycling stream.

• This results in lower recycling rates for aluminum and more waste in landfills.

3. Plastic Contaminates the Aluminum Recycling Process

• When aluminum is melted down for recycling, any attached plastic burns off, releasing toxic fumes and creating residue that can degrade the quality of the recycled metal.

• Some facilities may reject aluminum cans with plastic wraps entirely to avoid contamination, meaning they end up in landfills instead of being recycled.

4. Limited Market for Plastic-Wrapped Cans

• Some recycling centers won’t accept cans with shrink sleeves or plastic labels because removing them adds extra labor and cost.

• Since not all areas have the proper recycling infrastructure, these cans are more likely to be discarded rather than properly processed.

The Solution: All-Aluminum Packaging Like Pop Top Lock

• No Plastic Contamination: Pop Top Lock cans eliminate the need for external plastic elements, ensuring they can be fully recycled without complications.

• Higher Recycling Rates: All-aluminum designs increase the likelihood of proper recycling, keeping materials in a circular economy.

• Reduced Carbon Footprint: With fewer plastic components, brands can lower their environmental impact and meet sustainability goals more effectively.

By switching to plastic-free, fully recyclable solutions like Pop Top Lock, the beverage industry can increase recycling efficiency, reduce plastic pollution, and create a more sustainable future.

Plastic Wraps on aluminum cans are not always recycled…

While aluminum cans are one of the most recyclable packaging materials, the plastic wraps or shrink sleeves used on some cans create major recycling challenges. These plastic coatings can contaminate the aluminum recycling stream, leading to higher processing costs, inefficiencies, and even rejected batches at recycling facilities.