Ardagh leads beverage can recycling push
Published: February 26, 2019
Ardagh Group is making the connection between environmental friendliness and charity. Ardagh once again led a can recycling campaign throughout the Chicago area securing more than 4,200 pounds of cans in 2018 to be recycled with proceeds donated to charity.
Ardagh has led this annual effort for more than 15 years, mobilising its 300 employees across three locations (North American headquarters office, a manufacturing plant and technical center) to collect cans throughout the year and bring them to their respective locations to be recycled. Ardagh teams with United Scrap, which buys and recycles the cans, and Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI), which applies proceeds from the recycled cans to keep families with hospitalised children together.
Ardagh Metal – North America CEO Claude Marbach says the effort is indicative of the company setting a positive example in the local community, while showing how cans are the perfect example of sustainability. “Cans can be recycled infinitely, meaning they can be recycled forever without any loss in quality,” he says. “This annual campaign articulates messages like this and makes the connection between the product we make, environmental-friendliness and supporting the local community.”
In fact, recycled cans can be back on retail shelves in their original form in as little as 60 days. Overall, 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today. And, in addition to these superior environmental characteristics, beverage brands benefit from the package’s superior filling, distribution and retail display economics as no space is wasted due to can’s stacking abilities.
This year’s campaign proceeds were once again donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana which exists so families can get better together. “We rely on our community for their support in helping families stay together while a child is receiving critical medical treatment,” says Holly Buckendahl, Chief Executive Officer, RMHC-CNI. “We are incredibly grateful for Ardagh’s commitment which enables us to provide a comfortable place for families to rest, enjoy a warm, home-cooked meal and embrace a community of support, just steps from the hospital.”
Ardagh Group has been supporting global glass package recycling initiatives, read more here.
