Open Loop recycling involves recycling the material of one product into another product, or when the original material cannot be fully recycled back into the same product.

In the context of aluminium cans, Open Loop Recycling extends the life of aluminium material but transforms it into different products, such as automotive parts. This can lead to increased use of new resources and higher energy consumption to create aluminium suitable for the new products. Even if this recycled aluminium is later used to make cans again, additional resources and energy are still needed. In contrast, Closed Loop Recycling from the start, and maintaining this method throughout, minimizes the need for new inputs while consistently producing high-quality products.

Closed Loop recycling is therefore a sustainable way to recycle and truly circulates materials efficiently.