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A number of packaged beverage companies in Japan have decided to replace their single-use plastic bottles with aluminum cans. The goal is to reduce plastic waste pollution in the sea that can damage the ecosystem.

Reporting from the Japan Today page, Tuesday, August 10, 2021, the company Ryohin Keikaku Co. which sells 12 tea and soft drinks products has changed the packaging of their products with aluminum cans since last April. Aluminum cans, which are commonly used for soda drinks, have advantages against rust and corrosion.

The operator of the Muji trademark has changed their packaging since data came out showing the rate of “horizontal recycling” of aluminum cans is substantially higher than that of plastic bottles. Based on data from the Japan Aluminum Association and the PET Bottle Recycling Agency, the horizontal recycling rate of aluminum cans reached 71 percent, much higher than plastic bottles which was only 24.3 percent.

The horizontal recycling rate is the ability of the material to be reused for the same product. In the case of plastic bottles, the ability of the material decreases after repeated recycling, often single-use plastic ends up as serving trays for food.

Meanwhile, aluminum cans are said to be better at preventing the contents inside from being damaged. With opacity, the contents can be protected from exposure to light. Ryohin Keikaku also uses that type of packaging to reduce wasted leftover drinks.

This switch from plastic bottles to aluminum cans can extend the shelf life of the product. According to retailers, the expiration date of soft drinks can be extended by 90 to 270 days compared to plastic bottles.

Carefully Designed
The latest drink cans are designed to include illustrations and drink colors. It lets shoppers know what's inside, much like they buy a drink packaged in a transparent plastic bottle.

Other companies have also switched to using aluminum cans. Dydo Group Holdings Inc. it even replaced six product containers, including coffee and isotonic drinks, earlier this year.

The company that operates the vending machines is changing its packaging to promote a more recycling-conscious society, according to a request from a machine maker. "Right now, aluminum is gaining momentum," said Yoshihiko Kimura, head of the Japan Aluminum Association.

Global Movement
Steps towards more efficient recycling processes are also increasing outside of Japan. One of them is seen during the distribution of mineral water during the G7 summit in the UK, June 2021.

At that time, agen judi togel online terpercaya beverage manufacturers packaged them in aluminum cans instead of ordinary plastic bottles. Unilever took the same step by stating that in April 2021, it would start selling shampoo in aluminum packaging in the United States.

Starting in July, a number of groups actively disseminate information about beverage cans via social media. They also plan to hold an art contest using cans later this year to raise public awareness.