Why Cans Are More Sustainable Than Bottles—And Perfect for Kombucha
Beverage Innovation
ROBOT KOMBUCHA - the worlds healthiest cola
When it comes to sustainability, aluminum cans far outperform glass and plastic bottles. This is particularly relevant for kombucha, a probiotic-rich beverage that thrives in aluminum cans for multiple reasons. Below, we explore why cans are the superior choice for both sustainability and kombucha’s unique fermentation process.
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Why Cans Are More Sustainable Than Bottles
1. Higher Recycling Rates
Aluminum cans are the most recycled beverage container in the world, with a global recycling rate of over 70%, compared to glass at around 34% and plastic at less than 10%. In many countries, aluminum cans are infinitely recyclable without losing quality, meaning a used can could be back on store shelves as a new can in just 60 days.
2. Lower Carbon Footprint
Aluminum is significantly lighter than glass, reducing emissions during transport. A truck carrying glass bottles consumes more fuel than one transporting lightweight aluminum cans. Additionally, because cans are stackable and require less protective packaging, they allow for more efficient storage and transportation, further cutting down on carbon emissions.
3. Energy Efficiency in Production
Recycling aluminum uses 95% less energy than producing new aluminum, while recycling glass only saves about 30% of the energy compared to making new glass. This means that using recycled aluminum cans has a significantly lower environmental impact than glass bottles.
4. Less Waste in Landfills
While glass bottles are recyclable, they are often discarded due to breakage and contamination in the recycling process. Many recycling facilities struggle to process glass efficiently, and as a result, a large percentage of glass waste ends up in landfills. In contrast, aluminum cans are much more likely to be recycled properly and reused indefinitely.
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Why Kombucha Works Best in Cans
1. Protection from Light and Oxygen
Kombucha is a living beverage containing probiotics and organic acids that can degrade when exposed to UV light and oxygen. Unlike glass bottles, which allow light to pass through, aluminum cans provide 100% protection, ensuring the kombucha’s probiotic cultures remain active and beneficial for gut health.
2. Consistent Flavor and Freshness
Cans are airtight and prevent oxidation, which helps maintain kombucha’s complex flavors and delicate balance of organic acids. Glass bottles with metal caps can sometimes allow micro-leaks of oxygen, which may affect the taste and quality over time.
3. Sustainability and Consumer Preference
As sustainability becomes a top priority for consumers, brands are shifting toward aluminum cans to meet demand. Cans align perfectly with kombucha’s eco-conscious appeal, reinforcing a commitment to health, sustainability, and premium-quality beverages.
Published By: Net Zero Foods
Written By: Pascal Du Bois
Published on: Mar 18, 2025
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