Why Malezia Uses Aluminum Packaging.
In the quest for sustainable packaging solutions, aluminum stands out as a premier choice for a variety of reasons. Here’s a comprehensive look at why aluminum is the superior choice for eco-friendly packaging.
1. Unmatched Recyclability
Aluminum offers an outstanding advantage in terms of recyclability. It boasts one of the highest recycling rates globally, making it a most recycled material.
This metal can be recycled indefinitely without losing its quality or integrity. This process creates a "closed loop" lifecycle, ensuring that aluminum can be reused continually, which drastically reduces the need for raw materials and the environmental impact associated with their extraction and processing. (1)
According to the International Aluminum Institute, “around 75% of the almost 1.5 billion tonnes of aluminum ever produced is still in productive use today (2).”
2. Low Carbon Footprint
Aluminum is incredibly lightweight, which translates into significant energy savings during transportation. Its low weight allows for more efficient packaging and shipping, reducing carbon emissions associated with logistics.
For example, 50 aluminum tubes of our urea moisturizer weigh merely 480 grams (approximately one pound), highlighting just how lightweight this material is.
Our founder recalls the first time he received a box of aluminum tube samples — he was so taken aback by the lightness, he thought the box was empty!
3. Effective Protection of Contents
The inherent properties of aluminum shield the contents of skincare products from heat and light exposure, making products more shelf-stable, ensuring their effectiveness and longevity without the need for excessive preservatives.
4. Cost-Effective in the Long Run
While the initial costs associated with aluminum packaging may be higher, the long-term savings are substantial.
The durability and recyclability of aluminum means that less frequent replacements are required. Additionally, the material’s ability to be recycled continuously without degradation prevents the costs and environmental impact of frequent raw material use.
5. Minimal Environmental Impact
While aluminum production is energy-intensive, its environmental impact is significantly mitigated through recycling. Recycling aluminum drastically reduces the need for primary aluminum production, which is associated with environmentally damaging processes and high energy consumption. According to Soares Tenório and Espinosa, recycling aluminum can significantly cut down on these impacts by reducing the reliance on energy-intensive primary production processes (3).
Additionally, over the years, the aluminum production and recycling processes have become more efficient. As a result, producing aluminum from recycled materials requires significantly less energy compared to producing it from raw materials (4). This increased efficiency not only conserves energy but also drastically reduces the environmental footprint of aluminum production (5).
6. High Resale Value
Aluminum scrap has a high resale value, incentivizing recycling and reducing the likelihood of it ending up in landfills. This economic advantage encourages a more robust and efficient recycling system.
Unlike many plastics and glass, which often end up in landfills due to economic, technical, contamination, or logistical challenges in the recycling process, aluminum's high value and recyclability make it less likely to be improperly discarded.
For example, Germana Olivieri et al. demonstrate that recycling aluminum not only saves energy and resources but also offers significant economic benefits by reducing the need for landfill space and lessening environmental damage (6).
Additionally, Amelia L. Craighill et al. quantify the economic benefits of recycling aluminum, showing significant savings in terms of reduced landfill use and environmental impact, with a detailed economic valuation of recycling processes (7).
Moreover, Kiffaya Abood Al-Saffar et al. highlight the high economic value of recycled aluminum, especially in beverage cans, which are extensively recycled due to the lucrative recovery value and ease of collection, contributing significantly to waste reduction and environmental sustainability (8).
Summary
Aluminum is the superior choice for eco-friendly packaging compared to glass and plastic due to its unmatched recyclability, low carbon footprint, effective protection of contents, cost-effectiveness in the long run, minimal environmental impact, and high resale value.
Its ability to be recycled indefinitely without losing quality ensures a sustainable, closed-loop lifecycle. Aluminum's lightweight nature reduces transportation emissions, while its durability and efficiency in recycling significantly lower environmental and economic costs.
Unlike glass and plastic, which often face recycling challenges, aluminum's high value and ease of recycling make it a more sustainable packaging solution that benefits both the environment and the economy.