10.22.21
Ball Corporation announced plans to create Brazil's first circular economy lab in Fernando de Noronha, one of the country's most popular tourist destinations and a leader on sustainable tourism.
Named the VADELATA for the Planet Lab, the project will create a model circular economy within the island by centralizing the collection and recycling of aluminum cans.
The new, state-of-the-art facility officially broke ground for construction in Noronha with plans to open in 2022. In addition to recycling close to 100,000 pounds of aluminum in its first year alone, the lab will serve as a hub for residents and tourists to learn more about how to advance sustainability in their own communities.
"As part of the company's recently announced 2030 sustainability goals and industry vision for circularity, the innovative VADELATA for the Planet Lab will demonstrate what's possible when we invest in and prioritize aluminum recycling," said Fauze Villatoro, commercial and sustainability VP, Ball Corporation South America. "The resources within this lab will allow us to create a circular economy that will make a difference in the lives of residents and tourists in Brazil and contribute to a more sustainable planet. By building a more innovative and effective way to collect beverage aluminum cans and educating consumers about the importance of recycling, we can help solve the packaging waste crisis."
The 4,300 square-foot facility will feature four main areas: aluminum can drop-off, preprocessing of aluminum cans, conference rooms for lectures and courses, and exhibition space. When cans arrive at the lab, they'll be cleaned and pressed before being transported to a nearby Ball manufacturing plant and recycling center to be turned into new coils for cans.
All profits from can scrap sales will be used to pay for the can collection itself and for social and educational projects for the island community. The lab will engage with students and local restaurants to further drive awareness and education about recycling and will also serve as a basis for demonstrating new technologies that support the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
Named the VADELATA for the Planet Lab, the project will create a model circular economy within the island by centralizing the collection and recycling of aluminum cans.
The new, state-of-the-art facility officially broke ground for construction in Noronha with plans to open in 2022. In addition to recycling close to 100,000 pounds of aluminum in its first year alone, the lab will serve as a hub for residents and tourists to learn more about how to advance sustainability in their own communities.
"As part of the company's recently announced 2030 sustainability goals and industry vision for circularity, the innovative VADELATA for the Planet Lab will demonstrate what's possible when we invest in and prioritize aluminum recycling," said Fauze Villatoro, commercial and sustainability VP, Ball Corporation South America. "The resources within this lab will allow us to create a circular economy that will make a difference in the lives of residents and tourists in Brazil and contribute to a more sustainable planet. By building a more innovative and effective way to collect beverage aluminum cans and educating consumers about the importance of recycling, we can help solve the packaging waste crisis."
The 4,300 square-foot facility will feature four main areas: aluminum can drop-off, preprocessing of aluminum cans, conference rooms for lectures and courses, and exhibition space. When cans arrive at the lab, they'll be cleaned and pressed before being transported to a nearby Ball manufacturing plant and recycling center to be turned into new coils for cans.
All profits from can scrap sales will be used to pay for the can collection itself and for social and educational projects for the island community. The lab will engage with students and local restaurants to further drive awareness and education about recycling and will also serve as a basis for demonstrating new technologies that support the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.