Recycling of Steel Cans and LCA Study

Abstract

Steel cans are characterized by high strength to withstand internal pressures and low environmental load because of their high suitability for recycling. The annual consumption of steel cans is 910, 000 tons, with a recycling ratio of 87.5% (2003). This recycling ratio is high compared to containers of other materials, which is also at the highest level, internationally. Moreover, if the further recycling of cans, other than standard scraps, being made after incineration is taken into consideration, the recycling ratio rises more than 90%. This report attempts to give a detailed description of the actual state and characteristic features of steel-can recycling.
As a result of the LCA (life cycle assessment) of steel cans, based on the fact of "steel products being used cyclically in steel products, " it has been proved that steel cans are environment-friendly containers with low CO₂ emissions and energy consumption during life cycle.
If people associated with steel continue to advocate the above characteristics of steel cans vigorously and widely for the benefit of general consumers, even higher consumption and recycling ratios can be expected.