Crown Holdings Supports Efforts to Raise Aluminum Beverage Can Recycling
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Insights
The initiative led by Ardagh Group and Crown Holdings, Inc. to enhance aluminum beverage can recycling rates by incorporating advanced robotics technology represents a significant step in waste management and recycling efficiency. The introduction of EverestLabs.AI's robotics into Caglia Environmental's operations could set a precedent for other material recovery facilities (MRFs) to follow, potentially altering the landscape of the recycling industry.
The deployment of such technology is not only environmentally beneficial by diverting waste from landfills but also economically advantageous. The ability to reclaim over 1 million used beverage cans annually translates into a substantial recovery of valuable materials, which could have a positive impact on the companies' financials and the broader recycling market.
From a financial perspective, the robot lease program initiated by CMI and supported by Ardagh Group and Crown Holdings offers an innovative revenue-sharing model that mitigates risk for Caglia Environmental. This cost-effective solution could encourage more MRFs to adopt similar technologies, potentially increasing the supply of recycled aluminum and affecting market prices. The partnership also reflects a strategic investment in sustainability, which could enhance the corporate image and appeal to environmentally conscious investors.
Considering the recycling industry as a whole, the integration of AI and robotics into MRFs aligns with broader trends towards automation and sustainability. As recycling rates improve and technology costs decrease, this could lead to wider adoption, increased efficiency and potentially lower costs for consumers. However, the long-term implications on employment within the industry, as well as the need for continuous innovation to keep up with technological advancements, are factors that need to be monitored.
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 19, 2023 / Ardagh Group and Crown Holdings, Inc. are continuing their efforts to raise aluminum beverage can recycling rates through Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) by financing a robot from artificial intelligence and robotics company EverestLabs.AI for a California recycling facility. Caglia Environmental, which sorts single-stream recyclables at its Fresno, CA, material recovery facility (MRF), will place the robot on its "last chance line" (the material destined for landfill) to capture more than 1 million additional used beverage cans (UBC) per year.
As Caglia's plant maintenance manager Corey Stone put it, "We put the robot on the last chance line and have it focusing on aluminum beverage cans so that it's picking ‘gold' out of the trash." In exchange for the lease financing, Caglia is providing a 50-percent revenue share with CMI. This robot lease provides a no-risk, no-cost way for a MRF to get additional can capture equipment.
CMI research has concluded that without the vital revenue from UBCs, most MRFs would not be able to operate without a change to their business model. This lease program is the latest in CMI's comprehensive approach to spur the installation of additional can capture equipment in MRFs. It started with foundational research in 2020, a grant program with The Recycling Partnership in 2021, tools for MRF operators in 2022, and additional grants and this lease program in 2023. Visit https://www.cancentral.com/cansdriverecycling to learn more information.
About Crown Holdings, Inc.
Crown Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is a leading global supplier of rigid packaging products to consumer marketing companies, as well as transit and protective packaging products, equipment and services to a broad range of end markets. World headquarters are located in Tampa, Florida. For more information, visit www.crowncork.com.
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SOURCE: Crown Holdings, Inc.
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FAQ
What is the purpose of Ardagh Group and Crown Holdings, Inc. financing a robot from EverestLabs.AI for a California recycling facility?
Where is the robot placed at Caglia Environmental's material recovery facility?
How many additional used beverage cans per year does the robot aim to capture?
What does Caglia Environmental provide in exchange for the lease financing?
What is the goal of CMI's comprehensive approach in spurring the installation of can capture equipment in MRFs?
