Rio Tinto and Corona Canada pilot Canada’s first specially-marked low carbon can

Rio Tinto  and Corona Canada have launched Canada’s first specially-marked, low carbon beverage can, manufactured by Ball Corporation.

The cans, now available through a pilot in Ontario, were made using aluminium from Rio Tinto using Elysistm technology.

As part of this limited release, 1.2 million cans were produced with a QR code to inspire consumers to learn more about the cans’ low carbon footprint.

The pilot is a step towards putting a fully traceable beverage can in the hands of consumers.

Rio Tinto said it will take insights from its START initiative to allow consumers to use QR codes to see exactly how their products were made from mine to market – including sustainability data.

Currently, around 70 per cent of the aluminium used in cans produced in North America is made with recycled aluminium [source: The Aluminum Can Advantage: Sustainability Key Performance Indicators, The Aluminium Association]. Pairing this recycled metal with Rio Tinto’s low-carbon aluminium – made with renewable hydropower – and metal produced using the direct greenhouse gas emissions free Elysistm smelting technology reduces carbon emissions by more than 30 per cent [Compared to current Corona Extra cans using traditional manufacturing techniques in North America].

Corona Canada’s marketing vice president Andrew Oosterhuis said: “By continuing to introduce market-leading technologies in the beverage space, we’re leading by example for other companies and their suppliers to innovate and drive meaningful change for our environment.”

Rio Tinto’s head of sales and marketing Tolga Egrilmezer said: “These specially-marked, low carbon beverage cans will showcase the responsibly produced aluminium Rio Tinto delivers, bringing together renewable hydropower and the innovation of zero carbon Elysistm smelting technology.”

Related content