PPG (NYSE: PPG) has announced its participation in the “2 Million Cans Recycling Contest,” a nationwide initiative aimed at collecting millions of aluminum beverage cans. The contest, organized in partnership with the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), Recycling is like Magic!, elementary schools, scrapyards, and aluminum suppliers, encourages students to learn about recycling’s importance. From October 1 through April 30, 2025, students from 12 states, including those from Pittsburgh’s Environmental Charter School and Mendon Elementary School, will take part in this competition, fostering environmental awareness, teamwork, and community involvement.
“We are proud to support an initiative that promotes aluminum recycling,” said Rodolfo Ramirez, PPG Vice President of Packaging Coatings. “As a member of CMI, PPG collaborates with the leading aluminum suppliers, can makers, and brands to provide safe, innovative coatings that enable consumers to enjoy products in packaging made from infinitely recyclable materials. By working together, we aim to increase recycling rates in the U.S., beginning with Pittsburgh.”
Despite the environmental benefits of aluminum recycling, only 26% of aluminum cans are recycled in Pennsylvania, compared to 45% nationally. The contest, inspired by Jessica Alexanderson, president of Recycling is like Magic! and author of The Girl Who Recycled 1 Million Cans, aims to change this trend.
“This initiative teaches students the value of recycling aluminum beverage cans and the positive impact it can have on people and the planet,” said Alexanderson. “I’m excited to see what these young leaders will accomplish through the 2 Million Cans Recycling Contest.”
Schools participating in the contest will earn money from the collected cans and receive prizes for reaching specific recycling milestones. Three schools will win top awards, sponsored by CMI members, who will serve as Aluminum Beverage Can Champion Sponsors.
“Recycling aluminum beverage cans offers significant environmental and economic benefits, especially when we collaborate as a team,” said Scott Breen, CMI’s Senior Vice President of Sustainability.
