Aluminum Cans Research Articles

Consumer perspective on the recycling process. Social media analysis of RetuRO

Purpose This study aims to analyze the attitude of consumers toward the recycling process, especially toward the manner of its promotion through social media platforms. Design/methodology/approach Using social media analysis, the authors analyzed the posts on the RetuRO page on Facebook. The results showed us that the first posts started in January, the recycling program and the guarantee return systems implementation have been active in the stores since November 30. Thus, the posts from each month were analyzed, observing that at the beginning of the program, the posting frequency was higher (8–10 posts/month), whereas in 2024, the frequency registered a slight decrease. Findings This paper reflects two facets of consumer attitudes: if at the beginning of the recycling program, the feeling expressed was one of delight and satisfaction because customers had the opportunity to get rid of plastic or glass packaging, respectively aluminum cans, thus contributing to protecting the environment, with the development of the program, their opinions changed. The problems generated by the difficulty of recycling, and the technically deficient aspects of the devices led to a paradigm shift and the manifestation of a negative component of consumer attitudes. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first carried out in Romania that analyses the influence of the RetuRO platform in the recycling process carried out in our country using social media analysis.

Packaging Implications for Wine and Alcoholic Beverages

This is a review of the most commonly available wine packaging types currently on the market. This includes glasses bottles, polethylene terephthalate bottles (PET), bag-in-box (BIB), aluminum cans, and Tetra Pack. This review focuses on the pros and cons of each packaging type in relation to wine and alcoholic beverages.

Studying the current situation of waste generation and collection from aluminium cans in Bac Tu Liem district, Hanoi

Studying the current situation of waste generation and collection from aluminium cans in Bac Tu Liem district, Hanoi

Lactic and Acetic Acids in Sour Beers Promote Corrosion During Aluminum Beverage Can Storage

Newer sour beers are often packaged in aluminum cans, but the compatibility of sour beer and its major acids (lactic, acetic) with cans is unclear. In an initial study, commercial sour beers were packaged in cans containing one of four different liners (bisphenol A (BPA) epoxy, two BPA–non-intent (BPA-NI) epoxy, and acrylic). Corrosion, as measured by dissolved aluminum and visual degradation of the liner, was positively correlated with concentrations of lactic acid, acetic acid, and decreased pH value. After 48 wk, aluminum concentrations up to 58 mg/L were observed in one sour beer, or nearly 100-fold greater than typical dissolved aluminum concentrations in non-sour beers. Liner type did not affect corrosion. In a subsequent model sour beer study with two acrylic liners and one BPA-NI liner, molecular SO2 positively correlated with corrosion, but only at concentrations 5-fold higher than the maximum expected in sour beers. Other added components (chloride, copper, ethanol) did not affect corrosion. Addition of acetic, lactic, and phosphoric acid in varying equinormal combinations to a non-sour beer demonstrated that acetic and lactic acids (average dissolved aluminum = 2.54 mg/L following storage) promote corrosion more than phosphoric acid (average dissolved aluminum = 0.47 mg/L). Titratable acidity (TA) correlated well with corrosion, with increased dissolved aluminum observed at TA > 6 g/L as lactic acid equivalents. Organic acid corrosivity was hypothesized to relate to the proportion of acid in its neutral form, and thus these findings are relevant to producers of other beverages with high levels of organic acids.

Thin-walled aluminium waste remelting in circulation circuit with magnetodynamic pump

Modern technologies for remelting thin-walled aluminium waste are considered, and a new method to implement such process is proposed. This made it possible to increase the yield of a suitable remelted product to 83% from the mass of the initial remelting portion. The main idea is to use indirect heating of the charge. This will allow to significantly reduce the irreversible loss of metal due to burning which can reach 60%. In the proposed process, solid waste is melted by overheated melt stream. The movement of such stream is provided by the action of electromagnetic field. For the practical implementation of the offered idea, there was used a magnetodynamic pump (MDP) designed in the Physico-Technological Institute of Metals and Alloys of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The MDP has a significantly higher heat and power factor than electromagnetic pumps of travelling magnetic field which are often used in similar technologies. Mathematical model of the remelting process of aluminium thin-walled and fine charge due to convective heat transfer was developed. On the basis of this model, an engineering calculation of the specific process of remelting used aluminium cans in the liquid aluminium stream was also carried out. The obtained results were used at further conducting a full-scale experiment. There is designed and successfully practically tested the experimental two-chamber circulation circuit with MDP for remelting thin-walled aluminium waste. Recommendations for further development of the proposed process were formulated.Graphical abstract

Performance of Solar Collector Using Recycled Aluminum Cans for Drying

Performance of Solar Collector Using Recycled Aluminum Cans for Drying

LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS OF BEVERAGE PACKAGING

Plastic is the leading food and item packaging material due to its lightweight characteristics. However, there have been alarming concerns over the past years since the large-scale introduction of plastic after the Second World War, and a total of 8.3 billion metric tons have been produced. This research aims to compare the environmental impact of the packaging design of several consumer products using life cycle analysis (LCA). Based on the openLCA open-source software, three beverage packaging types were compared: plastic bottles, glass bottles, and aluminium cans. The life cycle inventory (LCI) must be identified based on case studies, literature reviews and relevant assumptions to obtain the result. Then, each beverage packagings flows, process and product system was also required to be identified to run the openLCA software. The three types of packaging was compared within each CML category in terms of impact. The CML stands for "Centrum voor Milieukunde Leiden". It is a research institute of the Centre for Environmental Studies at Leiden University located in the Netherlands and a procedure used to estimate the measure of environmental impact caused by the product. Based on the CML eleven impact categories, the plastic bottle was ranked as the most impactful towards the environment, followed by glass bottles and aluminium cans as the least impactful. Other than that, it may be due to the quantity of material being used, the effect of the material during processing, and the recyclable ability.

Corrosion Behavior of 3104 Aluminum Cans When Used as Packaging for Chinese Liquor.

Aluminum cans are commonly used for packaging soft drinks and low-alcohol beverages due to their good recyclability. To enhance the economic cycle and expand the packaging of liquors, the feasibility of commercial 3104 aluminum cans for packaging Chinese liquor was studied. The aluminum's migration into alcoholic solutions was studied using inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to study the corrosion process of epoxy coatings on the aluminum cans. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), infrared attenuated total reflection (IR-ATR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to determine the inner coatings and adhering surfaces of the cans and the corrosion process. The results showed that the maximum aluminum migration in Chinese liquor was 4.3572 mg/kg at 60 °C for 30 days. The epoxy coating was corroded enough to decrease the coating impedance and expose the metal substrate after 25 days. Permeation and aging degradation of coatings are the main factors to consider when packaging liquor.

Responsible Ecological Behavior in Participation, Resource Saving, Recycling and Reuse in Peruvian University Students

This paper analyzes, within the framework of responsible ecological behavior (REB), participation and environmental concern, resources saving, recycling and reuse of products in students from a Peruvian private university. Data for this study was obtained by completing self-administered questionnaires from a sample of 523 undergraduate students attending a university based in Lima and Ica, Peru. REB was segmented into three dimensions: Participation and Environmental Concern (PEC), Resources Saving (RS) and Recycling and Reuse (RR). A medium positive correlation was found between REB and PEC, while REB showed a positive correlation between the RS and RR dimensions at a significance level of 99%. A weak negative correlation was identified between REB and student gender; no correlation was found with age and region of origin. More than half of the students frequently practice habits that contribute to the protection of the environment; especially actions related to RS. RR behaviors reported less frequency in their usual practice, specifically reuse activities of aluminum cans and plastic containers, while PEC was the least common factor in pro-environmental practices. The apathy for externalization of environmental interest and lack of commitment in ecological campaigns demonstrate the low level of internalization of environmental culture in Peruvian university students.

Identifying the most sustainable beer packaging through a Life Cycle Assessment

The beer industry stands as a significant player in the global economy, and it is increasingly renowned not only for its diverse flavours, but also for its impact on the environment. Amidst its popularity, the beer sector faces mounting pressure to address environmental concerns, particularly related to packaging. As the world is increasingly embracing sustainability as a guiding principle, the beer industry's approach to packaging has come under scrutiny for its ecological footprint. This study aims to shed some light on the environmental footprint of beer production by applying a life cycle assessment, comparing different types of packaging. This study calculated the product environmental footprint of beer consumed in PET kegs, glass bottles and aluminium cans, and performed three sensitivity analyses on load factors of transport, waste transport distance and recycled content. The results identified draught beer in PET kegs as the most sustainable solution for beer consumption, with a footprint of around 90 % lower than the other types of packaging. However, the analysis showed that the biggest environmental impact is found in the cultivation, packaging and use phases, that account for a contribution of 60 %, 27 % and 11 % respectively. The results of this study highlighted the importance of the load factor in the distribution phase, of recyclability and of the use of secondary raw materials for packaging. This study stands as an original and valuable contribution, offering a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impact of beer packaging and of the beverage industry. Its insights can guide breweries, policymakers, and consumers towards sustainable choices, fostering a positive change within the sector. It also questions the sustainability of circular solutions by comparing recycling and reuse options. This study revealed also that a green supply chain management is key in the transition towards a circular economy and in the decarbonization process.

Ecological Costs of A Microbrewery in The Brazilian Northeast

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the environmental and economic impacts of craft beer production in the Brazilian Northeast, to evidence the main hotspots and propose mitigation alternatives. Theoretical Framework: Life Cycle Thinking proposes a way of thinking that aggregates systems and preserves their interrelationships, to understand the whole of production systems and identify critical points in their subsystems, processes and flows. Here, environmental analysis was carried out through Life Cycle Assessment and economic analysis through Life Cycle Cost Assessment and Ecological Costs. Method: The methodology adopted for this research includes the use of Life Cycle Assessment to quantify environmental emissions, and Life Cycle Cost Assessment and Ecological Costs to quantify economic impacts in a microbrewery located in the Northeast of Brazil. Data was collected through interviews and questionnaires with those responsible for specific sectors of the brewery. Results and Discussion: The results showed that the main environmental hotspot was the local and regional distribution of beer using a gasoline-powered light commercial vehicle. In terms of economics, beer packaged in stainless steel kegs had the lowest cost and beer in aluminum cans had the highest manufacturing cost. When environmental costs were taken into account, beer packaged in a PET growler obtained the best result and beer packaged in a stainless-steel keg obtained the worst economic result. With the implementation of electric vehicle distribution, in addition to the environmental benefits, there were also economic benefits, especially in terms of environmental costs (ecocosts). Research Implications: The practical implications of this research have shown that the use of electric vehicles to distribute the final product (beer) can mitigate environmental emissions, bringing environmental and economic benefits to the company studied. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by being the first Brazilian study to quantify the environmental and economic impacts of craft beer production and distribution. The relevance and value of this research is evidenced by the fact that it proposes tangible solutions to the hotspots identified.

Synthesis of industrially appealing low-silica zeolites using aluminum scraps and sand

In this study, Carbon footprint (CF) and hydric footprint (HF) were estimated for the synthesis of zeolite A and X using aluminum cans and sand as sources of aluminum and silicon, respectively. The fuse reagent prepared from sand, at 250 and 500° C, and the filtrated of fuse reagent product were considered as input variables in the experimental design. Aluminum waste, the mixture of aluminum waste treated with sodium hydroxide, and the formed Al(OH)3 were also considered as input parameters for the aluminum sources. Results showed that for obtaining of the fuse reagent based on sand, a temperature as low as 250 °C was sufficient to obtain the desired zeolites A, X and P without increasing the CF or the HF. The type of aluminum source did not display a significant impact on the CF and FH for the synthesis of the targeted zeolites.

Testing and modelling of aluminium cans for prismatic lithium-ion cells under crash loading

The mechanical performance of a deep-drawn AA3003-H14 aluminium can, which serves as an external shell for vehicle lithium-ion cells, was investigated in the present study. The experimental program included material testing at different locations on the cell, at different orientations, at various strain rates, and component testing. The material was found to be mildly anisotropic and significantly strain rate sensitive. A suitable constitutive model was proposed and validated against experiments to describe the material’s mechanical behaviour. Quasi-static and dynamic tests were performed on the cans and compared with finite element simulations to validate the proposed material model. The limitations of large-scale models suitable for industrial applications were assessed. The results show how this large-scale model can be built for an accurate prediction of the crash behaviour of aluminium cans for prismatic lithium-ion cells.

Synthetic polymers: A global threat to aquatic benthic environments

Finding time-efficient and cost-effective data collection methods is a challenge when addressing aquatic litter pollution on a global scale. In this study, we analysed data on aquatic benthic debris collected worldwide by volunteer scuba divers through the Dive Against Debris® citizen science initiative, examining its relationship with spatial and socio-economic factors. Plastic-dominated litter was found in both marine (64 %) and freshwater (48 %) environments, followed by metal and glass. Lower litter abundances have been recorded in high income countries such as in Europe, Central Asia and North America. Plastic fragments and fishing lines were the most abundant seafloor litter items, while takeaway containers (aluminium cans, glass bottles) were dominant in freshwater environments. Single-use plastics, including objects for food and beverage consumption, accounted for about 1/3 of the total benthic aquatic debris. Our findings highlight the need to prioritise the fishing industry and change our fast-paced modern lifestyle. Citizen science initiatives, once data cleanup is conducted to overcome any bias, can provide valuable tools for better understanding and quantifying marine litter pollution. The outcomes gained can be leveraged to improve consumer awareness and inform environmental policies aimed at addressing aquatic litter pollution more effectively.

Environmental Repercussions of Craft Beer Production in Northeast Brazil

Beer is the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage in the world, and the craft beer market has been continuously growing in recent years. The objective of this study is to detail the production of craft beer and quantify its environmental impacts. The microbrewery is located in João Pessoa, northeast Brazil, and produces 180,000 L/year. The life cycle assessment methodology is employed, and 16 environmental indicators have been selected. Two environmental impact assessment methods are used: IPCC 2021 GWP 100y and ILCD 2011 Midpoint. The results indicate that the best packaging options (lowest environmental impacts) are 10 L stainless-steel kegs and 330 mL aluminum cans. The primary hotspot is the distribution to the points of sale, which employs diesel vehicles. When electric vehicles substitute diesel ones, the environmental impacts are three times lower. The adoption of electric mobility and increasing the consumption of local products are two strategies that can be explored to further mitigate the environmental impacts associated with craft beer.

Human exposure to microplastics via the consumption of nonalcoholic beverages in various packaging materials: The case of Hong Kong

There is growing concern over microplastics in food and beverages, with potential implications for human health. However, little is known about microplastics in nonwater, nonalcoholic packaged beverages. This study addresses this research gap by implementing a dual-method approach that includes laboratory analysis to quantify microplastics in 50 packaged nonalcoholic beverages sold in Hong Kong, coupled with a beverage frequency questionnaire survey to provide a more accurate estimate of microplastic intake from these beverages. The beverages analysed spanned five categories–juice drinks, ready-to-drink teas, soda waters, soft drinks, and sports and energy drinks–and were packaged in four forms: aluminium cans, aseptic cartons, plastic bottles and glass bottles. The results showed that all beverage samples contained microplastics, with an average abundance of 42.1 ± 41.2 n/L (interquartile range [IQR]: 17.8–54.1 n/L), and these particles were predominantly smaller than 150 µm in size. Additionally, based on an annual beverage consumption rate of 157.3 ± 209.7 L/capita (IQR: 42.9–183.0 L/capita), it is estimated that Hong Kong adults ingest approximately 6200 microplastics per capita each year. The potential primary sources of these microplastics are atmospheric fallout and the packaging materials that endure mechanical stresses during the manufacturing and transportation of beverages. Compared to other known routes of exposure, including air, seafood, sugar, salt and honey, packaged nonalcoholic beverages present a comparable level of microplastic exposure, being lower than the first three but higher than the latter two. Nevertheless, the high prevalence of smaller microplastics in the samples is concerning. This study is considered to be important for food safety and human health, as it not only raises public awareness about microplastic contamination in packaged beverages but also serves as a call to action for the beverage industry to adopt more robust safety measures and for policymakers to revise packaging standards to reduce microplastic contamination and safeguard public health.

Synthesis of potash alum from waste aluminum cans for the purification of river water

Abstract This study explored the synthesis of potash alum from disposed aluminum cans for water purification. The effect of the labels on the cans on the yield of alum was also investigated as it is economically beneficial for industry. Single crystals of potash alum were obtained and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (P-XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Through a series of jar test experiments, the characterized alum samples were used to purify river water samples. Some of the parameters investigated include; pH, turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). The results show that the alum samples were able to reduce the turbidity by 100 % and substantially decrease the TSS, TDS and COD over the five-hour period of study. However, there were slight increases in acidity and EC which could be corrected by other methods

Study on Preparation Technology and Heat Conduction Mechanism of High-Purity & Ultra-Fine Alumina Powder from Scrap Aluminum Cans

In view of the increasing scarcity of bauxite resources in China, the high energy consumption and high pollution of electrolytic aluminum, and the requirements for energy conservation and environmental protection, aluminum recycling and high-value utilization of its derivatives have evolved into a crucial development requirement for the aluminum industry in the future. As an important part of the development of recycled aluminum resources, the high-value application of scrap aluminum cans has always been a hot research topic in various recycled aluminum processing enterprises and scientific research units. The traditional regeneration system of waste cans includes a series of complex technological processes such as pretreatment, paint removal, smelting system and casting system, which is difficult to control in the middle of the process. Most of the recycled scrap aluminum cans are cast and downgraded for later use, except for a part of them used as alloy materials for new cans. In this paper, combined with the research on the preparation of metal aluminum alkoxide, combined with recrystallization heat conduction to further study the effective dissolution or adsorption how to remove impurity elements to obtain high-purity aluminum alcohol salt mechanism research, and thermal effect of alcohols with different carbon chains on the synthesis of high-purity aluminum alkoxide was further investigated. Moreover, the changes in morphology and pore size distribution of hydrolyzed alumina precursor materials under different hydrothermal temperature conditions were discussed by means of the alkoxide hydrolysis-sol-gel process. Eventually, the aluminum alkoxide was obtained by the reaction of waste cans with isopropanol and heavy crystal thermal conductivity, and the high-purity aluminum alkoxide was purified by vacuum distillation. Under the hydrothermal condition of 160°C, the high-purity alumina material with a purity of 99.99% and an original crystal size of 200nm was prepared.

Design and Development of A Web-Based Smart Recycling System based on a Survey on Recycling Awareness

Everyone is aware that recycling reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, but the biggest environmental advantage of recycling is the preservation of energy and natural resources, as well as the reduction of pollution that results from the use of raw materials to create new products. The energy wasted in the disposal of products like aluminium cans and newspapers that can be recycled is equal to the annual output of fifteen power plants. The goal of this study is to determine how much faculty and students at UTHM are aware of recycling. Out of the roughly 18,000 pupils enrolled at the institution, 450 locals were chosen as the study's sample. According to Mitchell and Jolly, the populations require a minimum sample size of 374 samples, a 95% confidence level, and a 5% margin of error. There were tick boxes, a Likert scale, and slots for other suggestions to indicate responses. Residents are eager to engage in recycling activities, according to poll results, if more recycling facilities and technologies, such reward and redemption systems, are made available to them. Therefore, a strong program like the Web Automated Bin Recycle (WARB) System is necessary to address these problems. The carbon emission avoidance (tCO2e) calculator, which is part of WARB's core module, is used to calculate the total amount of CO2e generated by the weight of each material since each material has a unique CO2e reading. User acceptance testing (UAT) and functionality testing are the two types of evaluation tests used to assess WARB. The software system's compliance with their functional requirements or specifications has been successfully validated. The UAT results show that most users are content with the functionality and aesthetics of the system interface.

Identification of Novel Can Manipulation Behaviour in the Common Raven (Corvus corax)

This study examines the common raven (Corvus corax) population on Lanzarote, Spain, at a previously unstudied site. The study aimed to compare the use of camera trap technology and human observation in capturing a wide repertoire of raven behaviour and pay close attention to the perforation of aluminium cans, a behaviour that has not been described in the scientific literature previously but has been reported anecdotally through human observation. Five cameras were sited over a period of 6 months, with three aluminium cans placed at each location. One of the three cans was baited with meat and eggs, mimicking wild feeding substrate. Human observations took place over the same period of time in the same locations. Raven sightings were highly correlated in human-inhabited areas as well as agricultural areas, seemingly linked to food acquisition. Camera trap technology identified a greater number of can-orientated behaviours (interaction, manipulation, peeking inside, and pecking) compared to the human observation method. Conversely, human observation yielded a greater number of non-can-orientated behaviours (analysed as a group) when compared to that of camera trap observation. Overall, there was a significantly greater number of ravens observed via human observation when compared to that of camera trap observation. Initial evidence suggests that ravens only perforate cans they deem salient in terms of food acquisition, with beer cans being the most common focus of the behaviours observed, possibly linked to olfactory stimuli, the movement of the can or learned behaviour relating to reward acquisition. This study presents new data regarding object interaction in ravens, adding to the current body of knowledge.