27 EN PRIMER PLANO I IN THE FOREGROUND es necesario promover, por todos los países miembros, para poder garantizar el 90% de recogida separada para botellas de plástico y envases metálicos de hasta 3 litros en el año 2029. Por último, otro ejemplo adicional que merece una especial atención por su adelanto a las posibles exigencias legales que en el futuro pudieran surgir, es el proyecto colaborativo de la cadena de valor liderado por los fabricantes de lámina para conseguir la unificación o compatibilidad de la aleación de aluminio de cuerpo y tapa con el fin de alcanzar el 100% de contenido reciclado. Como conclusión se puede decir que, lejos por tanto de ser un sector reactivo ante las obligaciones legales y demandas del mercado, la lata de bebidas continúa liderando el cambio adelantándose en el cumplimiento de los requisitos exigidos al sector de envasado alimentario, no solamente desde el punto de vista técnico sino también, y muy especialmente, desde el punto de vista medioambiental. The beverage can is a container that has been in use for over 90 years, historically demonstrating a remarkable ability to stay ahead of change. Its apparent simplicity today is the result of the complex evolution of a container that has achieved a perfect functional and environmental balance, alongside great versatility. Focusing on functionality, the beverage can manufacturing sector has successfully anticipated and led the changes needed to adapt to demanding regulations that have grown exponentially over the last 20 years. Far from hindering innovation, manufacturers have managed to sustain the sector's steady growth by offering a wide range of formats capable of packaging products with highly diverse requirements. A notable example—among the recent legal requirements to which the sector had already adapted well in advance—is the reformulation of new coatings. These changes were necessary to comply with bans on external coatings or can ends containing BPA, as well as to meet established limits for PFAS concentrations. This has enabled the sector to adapt to the requirements of both Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 (regarding the use of bisphenol A and other bisphenols and derivatives) and Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (on packaging and packaging waste), thereby reliably and proactively meeting market needs. The beverage can manufacturing sector also sets a benchmark in production processes through its reductions in electricity, gas, and water consumption, as well as its use of renewable energy—with an industry-wide commitment to reach 100% renewable energy usage between 2030 and 2040. When combined with reduced material consumption—achieved through continuous lightweighting that has brought the average can weight down to approximately 11 grams—the sector stands as a prime example of environmental competitiveness compared to other packaging formats. When we add the design possibilities offered by the beverage can’s 360-degree surface to these advantages, we find one of the most powerful marketing tools in packaging—one that brands have historically utilized as an unparalleled canvas. In this regard, constant innovation in printing inks and finishes by can manufacturers has always served brands by creating designs that allow us today—through historic can collections like our association’s—to see how advertising has culturally changed and evolved over the years. MAXIMUM CIRCULARITY Regarding circularity, the beverage can is the metal container leading the way in Europe. Beyond its excellent recyclability, the industry has spent years promoting the use of recycled content derived from the cans themselves—a process commonly known as “Can-to-Can.” In this context, Deposit Return Systems (DRS) have been highlighted in the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation as a tool that member countries must promote to guarantee a 90% separate collection rate for plastic bottles and metal containers of up to 3 liters by 2029. Finally, another example deserving special attention—due to its proactive approach to potential future legal requirements—is a collaborative value-chain project led by sheet manufacturers. This project aims to unify or ensure the compatibility of the aluminum alloys used for can bodies and lids, with the ultimate goal of achieving 100% recycled content. In conclusion, far from merely reacting to legal obligations and market demands, the beverage can industry continues to lead change. It stays ahead of the curve in meeting requirements for the food packaging sector—not only from a technical standpoint but also, and most notably, from an environmental perspective.
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