U.S. Beverage Companies Mark Earth Day with $30 Million Recycling Investment

According to a recent announcement from the American Beverage Association (ABA), the U.S. beverage industry has invested nearly $30 million to strengthen national recycling systems through the industry-led Every Bottle Back initiative. The news was released in conjunction with Earth Day celebrations, highlighting the industry’s role in promoting sustainability and advancing circular economy goals.

As reported on the official website of the Association, the Every Bottle Back initiative was launched in 2019 in collaboration with The Recycling Partnership and Closed Loop Partners. The program focuses on improving recycling rates by redesigning bottles to be 100% recyclable and increasing collection efforts across the country. To date, the initiative has reached over 14 million people across 53 U.S. communities.

According to ABA estimates, the investments are projected to facilitate the recovery of over 710 million pounds of recycled PET plastic and 44 million pounds of recycled aluminum over the next decade.

Kevin Keane, President and CEO of the American Beverage, was quoted as saying that no other industry has contributed more to reducing plastic waste nationwide. He emphasized the industry’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “Our commitment to sustainability through initiatives like Every Bottle Back is rooted in values we share as a nation: innovation, collaboration and a deep sense of responsibility to leave things better than we found them for our kids and our communities.”

In addition to environmental goals, the beverage industry continues to play a significant role in the American economy. The sector directly employs approximately 275,000 people and supports over 4.2 million jobs throughout its supply chain. With more than 4,400 facilities nationwide, the industry’s local presence underscores its commitment to both economic development and environmental progress.

“Like America itself, our beverage companies are deeply committed to supporting local solutions that work, especially when it comes to protecting our planet. And we know that when we come together – industry, government and community partners – we can make real progress,” added Keane.

The American Beverage Association, founded in 1919 as the American Bottlers of Carbonated Beverages, is the national trade organization representing the non-alcoholic beverage industry in the United States. Renamed the National Soft Drink Association in 1966 and later ABA, it now represents hundreds of beverage producers, distributors, franchise companies, and related support industries nationwide.

Source: American Beverage