Anheuser-Busch sparks a conversation about the most sustainable beer can

For Anheuser-Busch, the most sustainable beer can is a reality.

When you grab that cold Anheuser-Busch beer out of the fridge or cooler, do you question who has the most sustainable beer can? While many people know to recycle that beer can, that container could and should do more than just keep beer cold. With product innovation, those beer cans are a step forward in consumer responsibility.

A first for the canned beverage industry, Anheuser-Busch partnered with Rio Tinto to create this most sustainable beer can. Through a low-carbon aluminum, which is made with renewable hydropower and recycled content, the can looks to set a new industry standard for the industry.

Beginning with Michelob ULTRA, the new innovative low-carbon aluminum is a way for the brand to focus on its commitment to the environment in a tangible. Way. 1 million sustainable cans will be produced.

Starting the roll-out with Michelob ULTRA was a targeted choice for the brand. According to Angie Slaughter, Vice President of Sustainability Procurement, Anheuser-Busch, she said, “As the fastest growing beer brand in the U.S., Michelob ULTRA has a responsibility to use the brand’s reach for good and help educate consumers on the importance of sustainability and the benefits of low-carbon aluminum. Ultimately, our sustainability journey is from “seed to sip” and continues beyond the production of our beers.”

While the conversation starts with Michelob ULTRA, it doesn’t end there. Slaughter said, “Building on Anheuser-Busch’s broader commitment to sustainability, our portfolio of brands – from ULTRA to Pure Gold to Budweiser – all have a role to play in inspiring consumers to join in our efforts – whether it’s by recycling their cans, supporting local agriculture, or going out to help clean up parks and waterways.”

As consumers start to see these cans appear on store shelves, it is a way to inform them on sustainable practices. Slaughter said, “We do not expect any significant differences in terms of weight and feel as our traditional cans but through the partnership.” but, these cans offer the opportunity to educate, Slaughter said, “Anheuser-Busch and Rio Tinto will explore options to provide information about the sustainability benefits of aluminum directly to customers through labeling and branding on cans.”

This new sustainable beer can is part of the Anheuser-Busch commitment to its sustainability goal. Slaughter said, “Anheuser-Busch is committed to leading the canned beverage industry in building a more sustainable future – both inside and outside company walls.” Overall, the company looks to “reducing carbon emissions across our value chain by 25% by 2025.” This can innovation is one step.

Could the Anheuser-Busch most sustainable beer can become the industry standard? A step towards more environmentally thoughtful practices is always a good thing.

What do you think of this can innovation? Should more companies adopt this practice?