You’ve probably seen the commercials by now. “Brewed the hard way,” they boast.
And with good reason. The dark, malty ale is a favorite among beer drinkers for its rich flavor and smooth texture.
But what about its sustainability? That’s where things get a little more complicated.
What is Guinness Beer?
One of the most popular beer brands in the world is Guinness. Traditional Irish stout beer Guinness is brewed from barley, hops, water, and a particular strain of ale yeast.
Since it has been in use for more than 125 years, the yeast is now frequently referred to as “Guinness yeast.” Barley that has been roasted but not malted gives Guinness its distinctively dark color and caramelized flavor.
The black ale is distinguished by its thick, creamy head, which is produced by combining the beer with nitrogen to produce smaller bubbles.
How Are Guinness Cans Made?
The aluminium used in Guinness cans is infinitely recyclable. In fact, it can be recycled and reused again and again without any loss of quality.
In addition to the aluminium, the cans are also made with a special type of plastic that’s designed to keep the beer tasting fresh. This plastic is also recyclable, and it’s important to note that it can only be recycled if it’s clean.
So, the next time you finish a cold one, don’t just toss the can in the trash. Recycle it!
Are Guinness Cans Recyclable?
The quick answer is: yes, Guinness cans are recyclable.
But it’s not quite as simple as that. Aluminum cans, for example, can only be recycled a certain number of times before they have to be melted down and made into new cans.
And the recycling process for aluminum is energy-intensive and creates greenhouse gasses.
That’s why some companies encourage their customers to return their cans back to them. The companies can then recycle them into new cans right there at the brewery.
Not only does this help them reduce their carbon footprint, but it also means that we can use more recycled materials in our cans.
So, if you’re a Guinness lover, please recycle your cans!
How To Recycle Guinness Cans?
There is considerable contradicting information on how to treat cans that have been nitrogenated; some sites advise cutting the can open and remove the nitro plastic widget, while others disagree.
Though a large portion of the initial sorting of materials is carried out by size and form at many materials recovery facilities. Therefore, they might prefer a can to be in its original shape as opposed to being crushed and chopped open.
How Can You Make Your Re-Use of Guinness Cans More Sustainable?
You can also do your part to make sure that Guinness cans are recycled in an environmentally friendly way. Here are a few tips on how to increase the sustainability of your re-use of Guinness cans:
- Choose cans that are made from recycled materials whenever possible. While Guinness cans themselves can be recycled, look for packaging with higher recycled content if you have the option.
- Participate in local recycling programs and put an effort into separating your recycling correctly. This will help ensure that all materials get sorted correctly and make their way to recycling centers as efficiently as possible.
- Buy in bulk, and reuse cans instead of purchasing new ones whenever possible. Reusing a can is always more sustainable than throwing it away and replacing it with a new container.
What Other Eco-Friendly Measures Does Guinness Take?
So, we know that Guinness cans are indeed recyclable. But what other eco-friendly measures does the company take?
For starters, Guinness is committed to reducing its overall carbon footprint and is in the process of setting firm targets for doing so. They are also taking action to eliminate single-use plastic packaging, as well as working on products made with recycled materials.
Guinness has also taken steps to reduce their water usage by investing in things like water recycling systems, which have helped them cut its water use by over 50%. And they’re even taking measures to make sure that their products don’t account for any unnecessary environmental costs during production.
So you can be sure that when you buy a can of Guinness, you’re helping out the environment—no matter how it gets recycled!
Wrap-Up: How Can You Help Reduce Waste and Increase Recycling?
Now that you know Guinness cans are indeed recyclable, there are several ways you can help reduce waste and increase the recycling of cans.
The most important step is to make sure you put your empty Guinness cans in the right bin. Most countries have different bins for different types of recyclables – glass, plastic, metal, etc.
Find out which bin your empty Guinness cans should go in and make sure that’s where they end up.
Another great way to reduce waste and recycling is to buy cans from suppliers that offer refills or returnable containers. This way, fewer resources are used since the same can is used albeit for a few times.
Joining a local recycling program or volunteering at one near you is another great way to be part of the solution.
And lastly, if you’re a Guinness fan, opt for draught beer over canned beer whenever possible! We all need to do our part to reduce our waste and increase our recycling efforts – so don’t forget to do your part.
Conclusion
So, are Guinness cans recyclable? The answer is yes, they are. However, it’s important to note that not all cans are recyclable.
Only certain types of aluminum cans can be recycled, so you’ll need to check with your local recycling center to see if they accept aluminum cans.
If you do have cans that can be recycled, make sure to clean them thoroughly before putting them in the recycling bin. Any food or residue left on the cans can contaminate the entire batch of recyclable materials, so it’s important to clean them properly.
Recycle Guinness cans, recycle aluminum cans, recycle beer cans, recycle!
