Aluminum Cans in France: A Circular Material Facing a Collection Gap

A recent TF1(National French TV) info report highlighted a striking paradox: aluminum beverage cans are infinitely recyclable and can return to the market in as little as a few weeks, yet in France, only around 50% are correctly collected, well below the European average (above 75%). This collection gap represents a missed opportunity to keep a high-quality material in the loop and reduce the environmental footprint of beverage packaging.

A massive volume… and a massive loss

France consumes around 4.7 billion aluminum cans each year. This figure reflects how central the can has become in everyday consumption. But when close to half of these cans are not properly collected, it means:

• valuable aluminum is lost from the circular economy,
• additional primary material is needed to meet demand,
• and the overall environmental impact increases.

Put simply: every can that isn’t collected is a missed chance to recycle a high-value material efficiently.

One of the fastest circular loops in packaging

One of the most powerful facts in the TF1 report is also one of the least known: an aluminum can can be recycled back into a new can in as little as six weeks, with no loss of quality.

Aluminum does not “wear out” when recycled. As a mono-material, it lends itself to a highly efficient closed loop - if collection and sorting perform as they should.

Where the system falls short

The material is not the limiting factor. The gap is largely explained by real-world usage conditions and inconsistent collection:

• uncertainty about where to sort cans, especially outside the home,
• uneven availability of sorting points in public spaces,
• sorting rules that are not always understood or visible in the moment.

Other European countries have reached significantly higher collection rates, and some have reinforced performance through deposit-return systems. The French system can improve rapidly by addressing the practical barriers that prevent the right gesture at the right time.

Making recycling visible and immediate: the role of Every Can Counts

Every Can Counts focuses on places where cans are most frequently consumed and most often missed: events, public spaces, and urban environments. The approach is straightforward - make recycling easy, visible, and immediate - by working with municipalities, event organizers, and partners to:

• expand access to sorting points,
• engage the public on-site,
• and encourage sorting at the moment of disposal.

The goal is to convert good intentions into consistent behavior.

How this connects to Constellium

Constellium invests in advanced recycling capacity and works closely with ecosystem partners such as CITEO to strengthen the performance of the overall packaging loop. But circularity cannot rely on industry alone: it also depends on collection systems, clear signals for consumers, and coordination with public stakeholders.

Employee involvement in initiatives like Every Can Counts reflects this conviction: closing the loop requires action beyond industrial operations.

A clear takeaway for decision-makers

France could significantly improve aluminum can recycling quickly and effectively. The foundations already exist:

• a material that is infinitely recyclable,
• a fast recycling loop,
• and industrial capabilities in place.

The priority is to strengthen collection, particularly outside the home, and improve public awareness in a way that is simple, visible, and actionable.

The TF1 report* puts a spotlight on a challenge the aluminum industry is ready to address. Through industrial investment, education, and active engagement in initiatives like Every Can Counts, Constellium remains committed to helping close the loop on aluminum beverage cans in France, as well as in other countries.

* Watch the full TF1 report (in French only) for more insights on this challenge