Aluminium cans: a model of sustainability between global diffusion and recycling efficiency. Italy among the leading countries.

RECYCLING IN EUROPA

According by European Aluminium – an association that brings together over 100 members including producers, transformers, recyclers and national associations, with 600 plants in 30 European countries – the aluminium can remains among the most used beverage containers globally.

In Europe, 50 billion are consumed every year, mainly for water, soft drinks and beer.

The widespread diffusion of the aluminium can is linked to the combination of multiple advantages: long shelf life of the contents, lightness, ease of stacking, impact resistance, ability to maintain the temperature, ease of recognition for separate waste collection and reduced loss of quality of the material during recycling.

Furthermore, the reuse cycle is extremely fast, requiring only 60 days to return to the market as a new can. These characteristics represent a strong environmental value, difficult to match with other beverage containers.

With the imminent implementation of PPWR, the aluminium can plays a crucial role in reaching the EU’s recycling targets for 2025 and 2030.

RECYCLING IN ITALIA 

Italy stands out among the leading countries in the recycling of aluminium packaging, reaching a rate close to 75%.

According to CIAL, the National Aluminium Packaging Consortium, there are no obstacles to exceeding the 90% recycling rate, a goal that the can sector in Italy has already almost reached. This result is attributed to the education of citizens, supported by close collaboration between various protagonists: aluminium producers, branded companies, distribution, catering, municipal services, citizens and students. A synergy that makes recycling a collective objective.

The pet therapy project supported by the Cassoli Group to improve well-being in the hospital was presented.

 THE SOLIDARITY INITIATIVE

For the first time, pet therapy arrives in the wards of the Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute of Bologna, thanks to the initiative of AGITO, the Association of Parents Together with Bone Tumors, which has started a collaboration with the ChiaraMilla amateur sports association, with the support of the Cassoli Group which confirms its commitment to supporting local organizations active in the social sector.

In fact, the project “Milly’s company: DOGtor in the Rizzoli ward” was presented on Friday 10 January at the Rizzoli in Bologna, an initiative dedicated to young people hospitalized in the facility’s oncology department.

The Cassoli Group has decided to finance the first three months of this initiative. The company’s contribution will allow us to start a project that will make a difference in the lives of many people, demonstrating how collaboration between companies, associations and healthcare institutions can generate a concrete and lasting positive impact.

The project, promoted by AGITO, was born from the awareness gained by the volunteers, who experienced firsthand the difficulties of the treatment process. The aim is to offer therapeutic and psychological support through pet therapy, which has proven effective in improving mood, reducing anxiety and alleviating the sense of isolation often felt by patients in hospital.

THE PROJECT AND WHO IS AGITO

At the Rizzoli Institute, an animal-assisted education (EAA) project will be launched, aimed at oncology patients hospitalized in the spinal surgery department. The project will last one year with weekly meetings, involving children, adults and bedridden patients. The dogs, trained and guided by specialized operators, will carry out targeted activities such as grooming, brushing, playing games and teaching basic commands. These interactions will not only distract patients from pain, but will offer emotional comfort, promoting relaxation, improved mood and self-esteem. Pet therapy will allow patients to establish a relationship with animals, mediators of emotions and moods, thanks to their non-judgmental nature. Through contact with dogs, patients will be able to develop communication skills, empathy and a greater sense of calm and control, benefiting from a therapeutic experience capable of diverting attention from problems and improving the quality of their stay in hospital.

AGITO, the Association of Parents Together with Bone Tumors, is a volunteer organization founded in 2019 and affiliated with the Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute. Made up of parents of children affected by bone sarcoma, the association works to raise awareness of oncological diseases, support clinical research and improve the quality of life of patients. During the treatment process, many parents have seen the benefits of the company of a pet, discovering how much animals can alleviate stress and pain. For this reason, AGITO promotes initiatives such as pet therapy in the oncological orthopedic surgery departments, dedicated to patients of all ages from all over Italy, also involving disabled pet operators to offer empathic and psychological support. The association, which has become a fundamental interlocutor for the needs of patients and family members, supports other projects such as the psychology service in the Osteoncology department, ceramics and art therapy workshops, and initiatives to support research.

The TopSyl patent adapts to market needs, offering advanced protection and superior functionality in can packaging.

TOPSYL, CONTINUOUS INNOVATION

Ecocap’s offers the market its TopSyl patent, the innovative seal placed on the opening of cans.

TopSyl maintains its cutting-edge protection function, guaranteeing maximum hygiene for the packaging and further integrity of the contents of the cans.

But TopSyl is much more than a simple safety device: it is synonymous with quality and reliability, practicality and effective communication.

With TopSyl, Ecocap’s close synergy with the leading industries in the beverage market, anticipating and responding to their needs and those of the consumer.

TOPSYL, A NEW PACKAGING STANDARD

TopSyl is a winning solution, also by virtue of its composition: the caps are made with 100% eco-friendly and renewable materials. A revolutionary patent that fits perfectly into the company’s vision of the future, where innovation meets environmental responsibility.

 Not only that, TopSyl also has the advantage of being an excellent marketing tool, an opportunity to give new visibility to the brand or specific initiatives to promote with originality.

Canned water: a sustainable alternative to plastic that is gaining more and more ground. Environmental awareness and numerous bans on single-use plastic are pushing the market towards eco-friendly solutions.

NEW TREND

Responding to consumers’ growing environmental concerns, canned water is gaining traction in supermarkets as an alternative to plastic

Initially used as a reserve during the Second World War, canned water is developing its own market, challenging plastic, traditionally a leader in the sector.

This is a change fueled by growing environmental awareness and increasingly stringent regulation. In fact, thanks to the increase in bans on the use of single-use plastic, companies are exploring valid alternatives.

Aluminium cans are considered a more sustainable packaging choice, with a high recyclability rate.

Investments in this direction are growing, with companies and brands working and committed to environmental protection and sustainability. This growing trend sees a great variety of formulations and flavorings appearing on the market.

Some brands, such as Open Water and Liquid Death, place environmental sustainability at the centre of their corporate identity, while large companies such as PepsiCo and The Coca-Cola Co. are entering the canned water market.

However, there are challenges to overcome, such as higher cost and less convenience compared to conventional plastic bottles.

AROUND THE WORLD AND IN ITALY

In the US, the government initially introduced canned water for emergency use; now the market is expanding with the entry of brands like Dash, which are making investments.

The trend is similar in England: canned water is gaining popularity, with brands such as Cano Water and Highland Spring Group offering flavored and sparkling products to meet consumer preferences.

Canned water is also capturing the interest of consumers and investors in Germany. With the increase in bans on single-use plastics and the demand for more sustainable solutions, brands like Mananalu are making their way. Additionally, active partnerships with organizations like rePurpose Global demonstrate a collegial commitment to protecting the environment.

In all three countries, canned water is a tangible response to the need to reduce high-impact single-use plastic bottles and the growing interest in this sector is set to grow.

Even in Italy in recent years, canned mineral water has begun to make space on the shelves, although at the moment it still represents a small niche.

In the past they have introduced San Benedetto canned water (both in 33 cl single-dose format and in natural and carbonated versions) and Spumador Refresco (Eco Recoaro water in 33 cl cans, still and carbonated).

San Benedetto water cans have also successfully made themselves known in the USA.

WITH TOPSYL CAN WATER IS EVEN COOLER

Thanks to the TopSyl patent, the aluminium protection system proposed by the Ecocap’s company, canned water is even more trendy.

In addition to being an ecological, safe and hygienic system, TopSyl allows countless customizations, transforming the can into an extraordinary marketing and communication tool.

Customer engagement, together with data collection, is redefining the beverage market. Jacopo Cassoli, general manager of Ecocap’s, shared his observations at the end of Appex Melbourne.

CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT, GROWING ATTENTION

During his recent trip to Australia, on the occasion of Appex – Australasia’s Processing & Packaging Expo where Ecocap’s was present with a booth, Jacopo Cassoli, general manager of the company, had the opportunity to delve into the emerging trends in the beverage sector.

Appex, held in Melbourne from 12 to 15 March, is a highly attractive trade fair, specialized in processing and packaging services, with hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of professionals and operators involved.

Among the evidence emerging at a global level, there is the growing attention to customer engagement: “The personalization of the customer experience is gaining relevance and, more and more often, companies are looking for innovative solutions to capture and satisfy this need”, comments Jacopo Cassoli.

In this process, Ecocap’s machinery and the TopSyl patent are strategic tools for the beverage sector: “The results obtained by our partners demonstrate how TopSyl caps offer effective connection and communication opportunities towards their end customers. The versatility and ease of TopSyl customization make it a unique product compared to other packaging solutions on the market. The TopSyl cap allows to collect useful information on consumer preferences, to improve their engagement and to offer personalized and unprecedented experiences each time,” explains Jacopo Cassoli.

TOPSYL BETWEEN FEATURES AND FUTURE TRENDS

Adaptability and flexibility are some of the characteristics that make TopSyl a quality plus.

“It is possible to apply thousands of different graphics in the same production batch, significantly reducing customization costs” specifies Cassoli.

“TopSyl, in addition to guaranteeing hygiene and food safety on all types of cans, responds effectively to global trends in the beverage sector, adapting perfectly to the broadest marketing and market needs, but also to every single internal specificity”.

“Even in the beverage sector, customer engagement together with the collection and analysis of data will become increasingly central and in this scenario companies that are able to offer personalized experiences and build strong relationships with their consumers, through the adoption of innovative solutions, they will have a significant competitive advantage.”

TopSyl is already an excellent response to this challenge.

Chocolate Easter eggs e and colombe in the name of solidarity for the Cassoli Group team.

SOLIDARITY AT EASTER PASSES THROUGH THE ANT FOUNDATION

The professionals of CPS Company, Ecocap’s and Nema Automazione have chosen to rely on the ANT Italia ONLUS Foundation for their chocolate Easter eggs and colombe.

Through a dedicated purchasing group, the Cassoli Group staff was able to contribute to supporting the cause of the Foundation which for years has been dealing with oncology prevention and free specialist home care for cancer patients.

Hygiene, safety, sustainability and communication: these are the elements of TopSyl, the Ecocap’s patent adopted by S. Bernardo for the mineral water that supplies Bologna FC 1909.

Acqua S. Bernardo, with cans protected by TopSyl, hydrates Bologna FC 1909 in the current and in the 2024-25 season. This collaboration highlights the Club’s commitment to providing its athletes and supporters with the best services and products, while underlining Acqua S. Bernardo’s attention to the environment and hygiene.

It is an important partnership that also involves Ecocap’s since S. Bernardo, a company under the control of the Montecristo Group and active in the mineral water and soft drink markets, has adopted the innovative eco-sustainable capsules TopSyl, an international patent by Ecocap’s.

At the basis of this choice is the desire to guarantee the hygiene of the can packaging and to stand out at a marketing level, exploiting all the elements of the can as a communication tool. TopSyl, the sealing system proposed by Ecocap’s, has proven to be the ideal choice to achieve these objectives.

A further advantage of the TopSyl system is its sustainability; TopSyl is in fact a heat-sealed aluminium disk which, not requiring the use of glue, is totally recyclable: a safe, hygienic and 100% eco-friendly solution!

ACQUA S.BERNARDO AND TOPSYL: SUSTAINABILITY AND ATTENTION

Acqua S. Bernardo is a historic brand, known not only for the quality and purity of its mineral water, but also for its constant commitment to environmental sustainability.

The company has adopted important measures to reduce its environmental impact, limiting the use of plastic and investing in green technologies and practices, such as the adoption of TopSyl.

Bernardo water is available not only for the first team, but also for the youth sector and the women’s team. Furthermore, it is present in the hospitality areas of the Renato Dall’Ara stadium.

A commitment to quality, sustainability and attention to hygiene that S. Bernardo, together with TopSyl, makes available to the entire large “rossoblù family”.