Ball Aluminum Cup

Ball’s Aluminum Cup / Source: Ball

AluminiumAsiaBall Aluminum CupEuropeFood & BeverageFood GradeLeak ProofLightweightNorth AmericaPackagingRecyclableRecycledRigidSouth AmericaStrong

WHAT WE SAY:

Ball claims that people in the US throw away 20 billion plastic cups each year, with a sobering 93% going to landfill. Enter the Ball Aluminum Cup, a widely available alternative made from 90% recycled aluminium.

At home, it can be reused, but it is also widely and efficiently recyclable, especially in closed systems such as stadiums or festivals. We love that as well as this sustainability story, the cups offer customers another big win: colder drinks. Can this inspire you to find similar opportunities to both replace plastic and deliver better experiences?

Ball Aluminum Cup

WHAT IS BALL ALUMINUM CUP?

Ball’s Aluminum Cup is designed to replace single-use plastic cups at large-scale, outdoor and occasion events.
The cup is made from 90% recycled Aluminium content, and is widely recyclable along with aluminium cans.
Maker Ball touts its ‘cool-touch’ design along with its lightweight and sturdy nature.
The cups are widely available via traditional retail channels such as Amazon, Target, Walmart and Kroger; the cups are also distributed at the Super Bowl.

KEY PROPERTIES:

Food Grade
Leak Proof
Lightweight
Recyclable
Recycled
Rigid
Strong

INDUSTRY:

Food & Beverage
Packaging

AVAILABILITY:

Mass Market

DIVE DEEPER:

Ball estimates that US consumers throw away 20 billion plastic cups a year – 93% of which end up in landfills.
The Ball Aluminum Cup can be either reused (in domestic situations), refilled or easily recycled (in commercial situations). The company claims recycled cups can be made into a new product and back in market within 60 days.
Ball and supplier Novelis say that the Ball Aluminum Cup is composed of 90% recycled aluminium content as of April 2022, which uses 95% less energy than virgin aluminium.
The cup features a BPANI (BPA non-intent) lining, which, while being polyester-based, does not hinder the cup’s recyclability through traditional recycling streams.
The cup is manufactured in Rome, Georgia, USA, by Novelis.
In April 2022, Ball received a Cradle to Cradle Certified Bronze certification for the cup.
The cup can also accommodate custom printed branding and logos.

The Ball cup / Source: Ball

Ball cup being recycled / Source: Ball

KEY FACTS:

20bn

plastic cups are thrown away in the US each year, with 93% going to landfill, according to Ball

90%

The cup is made from 90% recycled aluminium content

60 days

The company claims recycled cups can be made into a new product and back in market within 60 days

Key Questions to Ask:

Which (existing) systems are most appropriate?

When it comes to aluminium usage, the rates at which it is reused and recycled make all the difference to its overall impact. Ball launched its Aluminium Cups in sports stadiums – these are the perfect environment given their high volumes within a relatively closed system.

Where will your product be consumed?

For anyone planning to use these aluminium cups outside of similarly closed systems (such as festivals or restaurants), you should consider the local recycling infrastructure and collection rates.

Could aluminium cups also enable you to deliver a better customer experience?

The metal cups (with their ‘cool-touch’ technology) keep drinks cooler than plastic alternatives, especially if pre-chilled.

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