Brazil joins the Every Can Counts programme

Brazil is the first country outside Europe to join the Every Can Counts initiative and it currently boasts a recycling rate for aluminium cans of over 95%.

Brazil will be an important partner of the leading can recycling programme, and the local version is called ‘Cada Lata Conta’. The Brazilian Association of Aluminium Can Manufacturers (Abralatas) is supervising the nation’s recycling efforts on the industry’s behalf.

Membership formally kicked off on 4 December at Villa-Lobos Park in São Paulo. Festivities showcased large aluminium sculptures of the recycling logo as well as graffiti art panels made from more than 30 000 post-consumer cans designed by artist Ricardo Kaur.

‘Brazil already boasts one of the highest drinks can recycling rates in the world: consistently above 95% with the commitment to maintain and even improve further this percentage,’ says Cátilo Cândido, executive president of Abralatas. ‘We want to show Brazilians a true example of a circular economy in a fun, straightforward, and creative way.’

An important part of the recycling mission is boosting engagement, which is why the Cada Lata Conta team visited the city of Natal for Carnatal, the largest off-season carnival in Brazil. Seventy staff promoted aluminium recycling during the popular four-day event with support from waste picker cooperative Coocamar.

Every Can Counts was launched 12 years ago and represents recyclers in 19 European countries. The scheme strives to reach a 100% recycling rate for aluminium beverage cans.