Every Can Counts Partners with Emirates Dubai 7s to Boost Aluminium Can Recycling
Engaging Festival Goers in Recycling
Every Can Counts (ECC) UAE has teamed up with the Emirates Dubai 7s to spotlight the importance of aluminium can recycling during one of the region’s largest sporting and lifestyle festivals. Over the course of three action-packed days, ECC UAE implemented a series of hands-on activities designed to engage festival attendees in the recycling process.
One of the highlights was the PixelCan Wall, an impressive mural constructed entirely from recycled cans. This interactive installation provided a visually striking reminder of the collective impact of recycling. Additionally, ECC set up Cage Letters around the venue, where visitors could deposit their collected cans. This initiative not only encouraged recycling but also made it a visible commitment to sustainability. Volunteers clad in recognizable ECC backpacks roamed the site, making it easy for attendees to dispose of their cans efficiently.
The Mission of Every Can Counts
Every Can Counts is part of a global movement focused on changing behaviors around recycling drink cans. By collaborating with various organizations and events, ECC aims to enhance the collection of recyclable materials. The UAE branch was launched in collaboration with Emirates Global Aluminium, as well as prominent beverage can manufacturers Crown and CANPACK.
One of the fundamental pillars of ECC UAE’s mission is to promote the recyclability of aluminium. Remarkably, aluminium can be recycled infinitely, and doing so utilizes 95% less energy compared to generating new cans from raw materials. This demonstrates the potential of recycling to not just conserve resources but also significantly reduce energy consumption.
Insights on Recycling Rates in the UAE
A recent study by Frost & Sullivan has revealed some compelling statistics about aluminium can recycling rates in the UAE. Currently, the national recycling rate stands at 35%, showing a promising upward trend. Notably, there has been a two percent decrease in the number of cans sent to landfills from 2022 to 2024.
A significant finding from the report indicates that non-residential settings—such as events, shopping malls, and hospitality venues—account for nearly 23% of all aluminium cans recovered in the country. This underscores the critical role that events like the Emirates Dubai 7s play in encouraging sustainable practices. Additionally, about 20% of the cans collected are being recycled back into new beverage cans, further advancing the UAE’s ambitions for a circular economy. Engaging, community-driven recycling initiatives are proving to be effective in driving real behavioral change.
A Global Perspective on Recycling Awareness
This activation aligns with insights from the Every Can Counts Global Survey, which involved over 16,000 participants from 16 different countries. The survey highlighted a growing awareness of circularity; however, it also revealed a significant information gap. Only 17% of respondents recognized aluminium drink cans as the most recyclable beverage container.
Furthermore, a majority—71%—expressed that they would be more inclined to recycle if the experience were enjoyable and interactive. This feedback underscores the effectiveness of ECC’s hands-on approach to recycling.
Commitment to a Sustainable Future
As the UAE pushes forward with its sustainability initiatives and the Year of Community programs, ECC UAE remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborate with organizations that share a vision for a cleaner environment. Looking ahead to 2026, ECC plans to expand its impact through partnerships with brands, venues, and governmental entities across the nation, furthering its mission of making recycling a natural, everyday occurrence.
By seamlessly integrating recycling into community events and promoting active participation, ECC UAE is not just raising awareness about the importance of aluminium can recycling but also paving the way for a more sustainable future.
