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IAI data shows recycling one aluminum can conserves enough energy to charge 20 cellphones

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International Aluminium Institute

The International Aluminium Institute (IAI) has released its global aluminum recycling data. According to figures from the IAI, recycling just one aluminum can conserves enough energy to recharge up to 20 mobile phones, while global aluminum recycling saves enough energy every year to power the whole of France.

Commenting on the recycling data, Marlen Bertram, IAI's Director - Product Stewardship said: "Aluminum is one of the most recycled materials on earth. Today, the global recycling efficiency rate is 76 percent. High recycling rates in all regions underline the economic and environmental value of aluminum scrap. 

According to the IAI, every year, more than 30 million tonnes of aluminum scrap is recycled globally, ensuring its status as one of the most recycled materials on the planet. Aluminum can be remelted and reused without any impact on its unique properties. This means that aluminum products can be recycled repeatedly.

Bertram said: "Aluminum is central to a sustainable future, because of its unique combination of properties, including lightness, strength, durability, and recyclability. Rapid population and economic growth over the coming decade mean that global demand for aluminum will double through to 2050, and this will be met by 50% to 60% recycled metal. To ensure a sustainable circular economy, especially post-COVID, we need to improve and maintain high recycling rates across the world." 

According to the IAI, Europe has the highest Recycling Efficiency Rate (RER) in the world, recovering 81 percent of aluminum scrap available in the region. North America has the world's highest Recycling Input Rate (RIR) with 57 percent of the metal produced in the region originating from scrap. China, which is the largest consumer of both primary and recycled aluminum, also produces more than 10 million tonnes of scrap aluminum each year, accounting for a third of the annual global total.

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