Beverage cans in Brazil were made with the highest-ever level of recycled aluminium last year, according to the Brazilian Association of Aluminium Can Manufacturers (Abralatas).

In its Consolidated Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Practices Report for 2022, Abralatas assessed the industry throughout the value chain during a challenging year, one that saw the weakening of the domestic economy and the first decline in sales of aluminium beverage cans in five years.

It also marked 12 months in which the recycled content of aluminium drinks cans made in Brazil rose to 80% from 77% in 2021, according to aluminium canstock manufacturer and the world’s largest recycler, Novelis.

“This second sectoral report reinforces our transparency and the union of an entire sector,” said Abralatas executive president Cátilo Cândido, reinforcing the organisation’s goal of creating a circular economy model for aluminium drinks cans.

During the year, per capita consumption was 153 beverage cans, equivalent to a total of 31.8 billion units. However, as demand faltered, Ball and Canpack were said to have mothballed or halted some of their domestic production, but with a host of new beverages launched in cans, a stabilising of the market and the sustainability credentials of cans continuing to appeal to consumers, Abralatas forecast a return to growth this year.

Brazil achieved the historic 100% recycling rate in 2022, which Abralatas said saved 390,000 tons of aluminium scrap and the emissions of 1.8 million tons of carbon dioxide. Abralatas said that an independent company calculated the figure based on the weight of collected aluminium scrap equalling the weight of cans sold.

Abralatas founding members Ardagh Metal Packaging, Ball Corporation, Canpack and Crown Embalagens are major investors in the country’ canmaking industry, in which they have committed to a host of ESG targets including Aluminium Stewardship Initiative certification, an increasing use of renewable energy and the hiring a diverse workforce.

Brazil’s canmaking plants are located in every region of the country and are supported by 36 can collection centres in 19 of the country’s 26 states. There are also a number of waste collectors’ cooperatives.

Abralatas reported a 25% year-on-year growth in membership, with the non-profit associates including canmaking equipment manufacturer Stolle Machinery and industrial coatings provider PPG.