Eco Myth Buster: “Printed cans aren’t recyclable.” (Turns out they ARE!)
If you saw our social post this month, here’s the deeper dive. The short version: direct-printed (offset-printed) aluminum cans are absolutely recyclable. The inks and clear coats on beverage cans are ultra-thin. When cans are re-melted, those coatings are burned off and captured, leaving clean aluminum ready to become…more cans.
How the recycling loop actually works
- Sort & bale: Your empty cans are magnetically/eddy-current sorted at a recycling facility and baled.
- Re-melt: In the furnace, inks and coatings volatilize; operators skim any residue while the aluminum becomes liquid, clean, and ready to cast.
- Back into cans: That metal is cast into new sheet and rolled back into can stock, over and over. Aluminum’s strength and quality make it a true closed loop.
Why printed cans help (vs. add-on labels)
- Single material, simpler stream. Direct print keeps the package all aluminum, no extra label film or shrink sleeve to remove.
- Less mixed-material waste. Fewer plastics/adhesives means less contamination risk and less downstream sorting.
- Shelf-ready durability. No seams to scuff or edges to lift; graphics stay crisp all the way to the customer.
What about specialty finishes?
Matte, gloss, and other protective coatings are still microns thin. They’re engineered for food safety and performance on the line, and they don’t prevent recycling.
For breweries & beverage brands
- If you’re designing for recyclability, choose direct print when you can.
- If a sleeve/label is a must for a short run, pick perforated, easy-remove options and include a “remove before recycling” note for consumers.
- Want the look of a label with the recyclability of a printed can? Ask us about offset print + specialty coatings for premium effects without extra materials.
At Can-One USA, we print cans with industry-standard offset for sharp lines, smooth gradients, and consistent color, while keeping the package a recycling-friendly single material.