Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) has once again rallied the nation for its 21st cycle of Can Collection Drive. The drive brought together more than 200 entities from all the Emirates to participate in the event. The combined effort of various hotels, families, academic institutions and corporations reeled in 5537 kg of Aluminium Cans for recycling on 28th October 2017.

The dedication of the people living in UAE and their conscience to protect the environment reflected through this campaign. Till date this year, EEG has managed to collect 17,661 kg of Aluminium cans for recycling which consists of 63 % of the set target of 28000 kg. The collection of the said amount resulted in the mitigation of 265 MTCO2E, saving of 134 m3 of landfill space and saving of 4019 million BTU of energy.

Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group greatly appreciated the fact that over the last 21 years, the Can Collection Campaign since its inception in 1997, has seen a tremendous growth and participation from the community. Not only has it continuously brought together the nation each year, it has seen a diverse group of entities participating in the campaign. Since its inception EEG has managed to collect 300,388 kg of Aluminium Cans for recycling till date.

Al Mar’ashi further emphasised that recycling and proper waste management is and should be an integral part of everyone’s daily lives. EEG has always strived to promote and educate the community on the matter through active action oriented programmes. Besides Aluminium Cans, EEG also facilitates the collection of Paper, Plastic, Glass Bottles, Toners and Mobile phones for recycling. By conducting such campaigns, EEG is constantly adding on to the aim of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Few of the goals include, Sustainable Cities and Communities; Responsible Consumption and Production; and Climate Action.

"As the world's leading metal packaging manufacturer, cans are our business. We are committed to using and promoting but also recycling our products and making the can the most sustainable package in the world. Cans, especially aluminum cans, are by far the most valuable material in the recycling stream. Cans are 100 percent recyclable. Thus, they can be recycled infinitely with no loss of quality. Hereby, the scrap value of aluminum significantly contributes to the economic foundation for the overall recycling system. That's why we are excited to participate in the Can Collection Drive.", states Anthony Barnett, President Ball Beverage Packaging AMEA.

"We should be protecting the planet we live on. We truly believe that a commitment to recycling - when used in concert with programs such as Emirates Environmental Group is a powerful tool to accelerate the use of sustainable development principles and inspire the private sector in the Emirates to take positive action.", Anthony Barnett, President of Ball Beverage Packaging AMEA concludes.

EEG encourages every individual, from young students to working professionals, to actively participate in recycling campaigns. As His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE declared 2017 as the "Year of Giving", what better way is there to give than to contribute to the protection of nature and its finite resources. Moreover, EEG has teamed up with UNEP and commit to their #BeatPollution Pledge to clean the planet. Al Mar’ashi urges the nation to do the same and work together to eliminate pollution and its effects on the planet.

The campaign’s success was due to the collaboration and commitment of various government, corporate and academic institutions.

Al Mar’ashi expressed her gratitude to Ball Corporation for coming on board as an official sponsor and Del Monte for its co-sponsorship for the Can Collection Drive 2017. EEG also appreciates the support of Dubai Municipality, Dubai Sustainable Tourism, Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, Ajman Tourism Development Department, Embassy of Sweden McDonald’s UAE, Abela & Co, Masafi, RAK Ceramics, American International School of Abu Dhabi, Blue LLC, Tristar, Sharif Metals and Lucky Recycling for making this campaign a success.