Rio Tinto and AB InBev sign on to make sustainable cans

Rio Tinto and global brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) have formed a global partnership to deliver a new standard of sustainable aluminium cans.

Both companies have signed on to produce low-carbon aluminium that meets industry-leading sustainability standards.

The cans will be made with renewable hydropower along with recycled content.

Rio Tinto Chief Executive J-S Jacques said the company was pleased to continue to partner with customers in the value chain in an innovative way to meet their needs and help produce sustainable products.

“Our partnership with AB InBev is the latest development and reflects the great work of our commercial team,” Jacques said.

The first 1 million cans produced through the partnership will be piloted in the United States on Michelob ULTRA — claimed to be the fastest growing beer brand in the country.

The partnership will leverage outcomes from the development of ELYSIS — a disruptive zero-carbon aluminium smelting technology.

It is predicted ELYSIS will reduce carbon emissions by more than 30% compared to traditional manufacturing techniques used in North America.

Ingrid De Ryck, Vice President of Procurement and Sustainability, North America at AB InBev, said the company had been looking for new ways to reduce its carbon footprint across its entire value chain and improve the sustainability of its packaging to reach its sustainability goals.

“With this partnership, we will bring low-carbon aluminium to the forefront with our consumers and create a model for how companies can work with their suppliers to drive innovative and meaningful change for our environment.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Argus