Rexam’s Beverage Can North America (BCNA, rexam.com) Chicago office received first place in the Great American Can RoundUp (GACR) Industry Challenge by recycling more than 78,000 pounds of aluminum cans, which equates to more than 2.7 million beverage cans.   

The GACR Industry Challenge, sponsored by the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI, cancentral.com), collected and recycled 217,350 pounds of beverage cans, raising more than $179,400 for local charities across the United States.

Rexam’s corporate headquarters recycling efforts raised more than $45,300 for various local charities. As the winner of the challenge, the facility receives an additional $2,000 to donate to charity.

The Whitehouse, OH, Rexam plant took the second place spot, receiving an additional $1,000 to donate to their charity of choice on top of the more than $10,000 raised by collecting and recycling more than 14,600 pounds of aluminum cans.

"We're proud to align with the can-making industry to show how easy it is to recycle and take strong steps to support the community and the environment," says Rich Grimley, president and CEO, Rexam BCNA. "I'm proud of our Rexam teams for once again setting a favorable example in our communities, and utilizing the product we make to demonstrate the inherent value of recycling while supporting local charities."

Ball Corporation’s Findlay, OH, facility came in third place by recycling 35,323 pounds of cans and raising more than $24,700 for charity.

“Beverage cans have significant benefits and, thanks to their infinite recyclability, are the most recycled beverage packaging around the world,” says Jim Peterson, vice president of corporate affairs at Ball Corporation. “As part of our ongoing global sustainability initiatives, we’re proud to be a part of the metal packaging industry’s efforts to promote recycling while raising money to make our local communities better places for all to live and work.” 

CMI sponsors the GACR Industry Challenge annually to promote awareness around the environmental benefits of recycling aluminum cans. The nine month competition involved 51 facilities, including plants and corporate offices. Participating U.S. can manufacturers are Rexam BCNA, Crown Holdings, Inc. and Ball Corporation, as well as the two aluminum supplier companies, Novelis and Alcoa. The plant facilities partner together with their local schools, charities and other organizations to spread the recycling message and give back to their community. Proceeds from the Industry Challenge will benefit a variety of charities, including but not limited to, Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, Toys for Tots and St. Jude Research Center.

“This challenge is an excellent platform for our members to come together and be great environmental stewards by recycling the same product they produce,” says CMI president Robert Budway. “Aluminum is a highly valued commodity that greatly benefits from the economically and energy efficient process of recycling.  Can manufacturers provide customers and consumers with the beverage package with the highest recycling rate. Through this competition, can manufacturers and aluminum suppliers are able to raise awareness about the environmental benefits of this great package, while also raising money for local charities around the country.”

 Since its inception, the GACR Industry Challenge has recycled 6.82 million pounds of aluminum cans, equating to nearly $5 million raised for charities around the country.