From on-the-go consumption to outdoor events, the can remains one of the most popular formats for summer. TOPSYL, with its patented solution, protects the top of the can with a heat-sealed foil, combining safety and hygiene.

THE CAN AS A KEY PLAYER IN SUMMER OUTDOOR CONSUMPTION

With the arrival of summer, consumption occasions shift: beaches, festivals, sporting events, and outdoor activities call for packaging that is practical, portable, and ready to use.

The can remains a key format in the beverage industry, thanks to its functionality, convenience, and ability to meet the needs of on-the-go consumption.

At the same time, consumer focus on packaging hygiene and protection is growing; for canned beverages, the top of the container is becoming an increasingly important feature in ensuring enhanced safety right up to the moment of opening.

BEVERAGE PACKAGING: NEW PROTECTION AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

The rise in out-of-home consumption brings with it new consumer expectations; people are increasingly attentive to hygiene and packaging protection.

For canned beverages, the top of the container plays a crucial role in the direct consumption experience. Ensuring enhanced protection for the top surface right up until the moment of opening therefore adds significant value, particularly in settings such as outdoor events, festivals, and high-traffic areas.

TOPSYL: THE PATENTED SOLUTION FOR PROTECTING THE TOP OF THE CAN

TOPSYL addresses the new demands for safety and hygiene in outdoor consumption. It is a patented system that applies a heat-sealed foil to the top of the can, creating an extra layer of protection for the surface that comes into contact with the consumer’s mouth. This solution was designed to offer enhanced protection right up until the moment of opening, helping to boost consumer confidence in the product’s safety.

Beyond its protective function, TOPSYL enhances the packaging by turning the heat-sealed foil into a new communication space for the brand, offering opportunities for graphic customization, informational messages, or dedicated campaigns.

It is a solution that combines hygiene, safety, and the consumption experience, reinforcing the role of packaging as a link between the brand and the consumer.

In terms of sustainability, both the can and the TOPSYL system fit seamlessly into the aluminum supply chain—a material that is permanent and highly recyclable (Italy has achieved a recycling rate of 92.8%). A key focus is placed on the packaging’s end-of-life stage: proper disposal maximizes aluminum recovery and supports the evolution of the can toward models that are increasingly mindful of the product’s entire lifecycle.

TOPSYL: BRINGING MORE PROTECTION, COMMUNICATION AND VALUE TO BRANDS

In the beverage market, where out-of-home consumption remains a strategic touchpoint for brands, packaging plays an increasingly central role.

Thanks to its convenience and versatility, the can remains one of the formats best suited for outdoor occasions, yet it is evolving through solutions that address new demands for safety, communication, and personalization.

Innovations like TOPSYL demonstrate how even a packaging detail can enhance the consumer experience and offer brands new ways to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

To discover how a solution combining protection, hygiene, and communication can add value to beverage cans, explore the world of TOPSYL and learn more about the opportunities offered by this patented system.

65,000 tons recycled, a 92.8% increase in cans. 460,000 tons of CO2 avoided and 205,000 tons of oil equivalent saved.

ALUMINUM RECYCLING: ITALY LEADS IN EUROPE

Italy remains among the most virtuous countries in Europe in aluminum packaging recycling. In 2025, the national recycling rate reached 69.5%, far exceeding the European target of 50% and five years ahead of the European Union’s 2030 target of 60%.

The data, presented during CIAL’s annual public meeting, highlight the strength of a consolidated supply chain capable of handling increasingly high volumes. Overall aluminum packaging recovery reached 72.9%, confirming a stable average of around 70% recorded in recent years.

65,000 TONNES RECYCLED IN 2025

In 2025, 65,000 tons of aluminum packaging were recycled, the highest rate in recent years and a 4.2% increase compared to 2024. The slight decline in the percentage rate compared to 71.4% the previous year is primarily due to the 7% increase in packaging placed on the market and the introduction of new calculation criteria that also include aluminum in composite packaging.

The result for beverage cans is particularly significant. With a recycling rate of 92.8%, an increase of 5.5 percentage points, Italy ranks among the most efficient European countries in the recovery of this type of packaging.

LESS CO2 THANKS TO THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

The increase in recycling activities has produced significant environmental benefits. In 2025, the recovery of aluminum packaging avoided the emission of approximately 460,000 tons of CO2 equivalent and saved energy equivalent to 205,000 tons of oil equivalent.

The consortium system is also strengthening, with 429 active agreements now covering 79% of the Italian population and 71% of municipalities. The results achieved confirm the maturity of the Italian aluminum packaging management model, capable of combining environmental sustainability, economic efficiency, and shared responsibility along the entire supply chain.

Innovation, sustainability, and safety are driving the evolution of beverage can packaging: TopSyl responds to the market’s new needs.

THE NEW ROLE OF PACKAGING IN THE BEVERAGE SECTOR

The beverage sector is undergoing a major transformation, driven by sustainability, technological innovation, and increasing attention to product safety throughout the entire supply chain. Today, packaging is no longer just a functional element related to preservation, but an integral part of the product’s and brand’s value.

For this reason, companies are directing their investments toward solutions that improve production efficiency, ensure greater product protection, and enable more effective communication at the point of sale.

TOPSYL AS AN EVOLUTION OF FUNCTIONAL AND COMMUNICATIVE PACKAGING

TopSyl, a patented system by Ecocap’s, fits into this scenario by offering an innovative solution for sealing aluminum cans, with the aim of improving content protection and ensuring greater hygiene and safety throughout the entire distribution chain. The system integrates seamlessly with existing production lines and maintains a consistent approach to sustainability principles, thanks to the use of fully recyclable materials and the absence of adhesive components.

A NEW SPACE FOR BRAND COMMUNICATION

Beyond its protective function, TopSyl introduces additional value: the possibility of using the seal as a space for brand communication.

This feature allows beverage industry operators to expand the narrative possibilities of packaging, transforming a technical component into a tool for enhancing corporate identity. In this way, packaging becomes a means to strengthen brand positioning and increase recognition in the market.

THE FUTURE OF PACKAGING IN THE BEVERAGE SECTOR

The packaging of the future will increasingly be an integrated ecosystem where functionality, sustainability, and communication coexist. The technological evolution of closure and protection systems represents a key element in supporting the competitiveness of beverage companies and offering new opportunities for differentiation.

Solutions such as TopSyl contribute to redefining the very concept of packaging, transforming it into a strategic tool for brand and market growth.

READY TO INNOVATE YOUR PACKAGING?

Consumers demand greater safety, brands seek new communication spaces, and the market rewards sustainable solutions.

TopSyl addresses all these needs in a single patented technology.

Contact us to evaluate how TopSyl can best integrate into your production process. The future of beverage packaging has already begun.

From July 20, 2026, BPA-containing cans will be banned in the EU: the beverage industry is accelerating toward BPA-free solutions thanks to new regulations and packaging innovation.

BAN ON BPA IN CANS

The beverage industry is entering a crucial phase: by July 20, 2026, beverage cans with internal linings containing Bisphenol A (BPA) will no longer be allowed on the European market. The deadline is set by Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, which came into force on January 20, 2025, introducing a general ban on the use of BPA in food contact packaging. Manufacturers of beer, soft drinks, energy drinks, and RTD beverages are racing to upgrade their packaging technology, aiming to ensure regulatory compliance without compromising product quality and stability.

For years, Bisphenol A (BPA) has been used in the internal linings of cans to protect beverages from corrosion and spoilage. Today, following EFSA’s assessment of potential health risks, the European Union has banned its use in food packaging, forcing the industry to rapidly transition to safe alternatives.

DEADLINES FOR THE BEVERAGE SECTOR

The European regulation provides for different transition periods to allow companies to gradually adapt to the ban on BPA in food packaging. For the beverage sector, starting July 20, 2026, single-use cans with coatings containing Bisphenol A will no longer be marketed, while for sectors such as fruit and vegetables and seafood, the deadline has been extended to January 20, 2028.

A flexible period is also foreseen to dispose of stocks: cans regularly placed on the market within the deadlines can be refilled for an additional 12 months, and packaged products can remain on sale until stocks run out, encouraging a gradual transition to BPA-free solutions.

THE TECHNOLOGICAL CHALLENGE

The real challenge now is industrial. Packaging manufacturers are developing new modified polyester resins to replace traditional epoxy enamels.

For beverage brands, however, the transition is not immediate: R&D departments must verify that the new coatings are compatible with the different formulations, preserving:

• the beverage’s organoleptic profile
• resistance to carbonation
• chemical stability in the presence of acidity
• container durability

For beers, energy drinks, and soft drinks, compatibility between the liquid and the internal coating is crucial to ensuring quality and shelf life

Aluminum is 100% and infinitely recyclable. In 2024, Italy recovered 68% of its packaging, avoiding 440,000 tons of CO₂. Here are five key rules for recycling aluminum cans effectively.

ALUMINUM IS A CIRCULAR TREASURE, AND CANS ARE ITS SYMBOL.

Cans are the ultimate icon of aluminum recycling: lightweight, ubiquitous, recognizable, and above all, infinitely recyclable without losing quality. A daily gesture (opening a soda, finishing the contents, holding the can in your hand) is the beginning of an industrial process that transforms waste into a resource. It’s no coincidence that 130 cans are enough to make a scooter: a figure that gives an idea of ​​the often-overlooked value we hold in our hands.

In 2024, Italy recycled over 68% of its aluminum packaging, achieving a 95% energy saving compared to primary production and avoiding over 440,000 tons of CO₂. A powerful and technologically advanced supply chain, coordinated by CIAL, but one that remains fragile unless citizens’ behavior intervenes upstream. It all starts in the kitchen, in bars, in offices: everywhere a can is consumed. That’s where it’s decided whether that aluminum will come back to life or not.

THE 5 GOLDEN RULES FOR RECYCLING EFFECTIVELY AND SAVING CANS FROM LANDFILL

To truly recycle cans and all aluminum packaging, just follow five simple but fundamental rules.

1. Understand what to dispose of

Not just cans: thin sheets, trays, spray cans, caps, tubes. If the aluminum is solid or predominantly aluminum, it should be disposed of in the designated container according to local regulations. Even small pieces count, as long as they are recognizable.

2. Don’t wash it: just empty it

The can doesn’t need to be washed. Just remove any liquid residue: using water to clean it is a wasteful process. The systems work very well even with harmless micro-residues.

3. Separate when possible

If a package has components made of different materials, separating them helps improve the quality of the recycling. Aluminum with aluminum, plastic with plastic.

4. Dispose of it in the correct container

In many municipalities, aluminum is collected together with plastic and metals, in others with glass or in dedicated containers. Following local regulations is essential to avoid dispersing recoverable material.

5. Crumpling: the decisive gesture

This is the simplest rule, but also the most crucial. Crumpling aluminum allows the facilities to recognize and recover it without error. If left flat or scattered, many items risk disappearing along the sorting conveyors. Crumpling them makes them physically interceptable.

In Italy, 100% of the aluminum produced comes from recycling: a strategic supply chain based on a daily gesture. Every recycled can is raw material for a new production cycle.

Amid sustainability, product protection, and efficient logistics, aluminum cans are surpassing glass in beer packaging, with market forecasts pointing to strong growth through 2034.

CAN VS. GLASS: PROTECTION, LIGHTNESS, AND FRESHNESS

The global beer packaging market is showing steady growth. According to Grand View Research, the sector is expected to rise from approximately USD 25.66 billion in 2024 to USD 32.36 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 4.0%. Another study confirms a similar trend, projecting an increase from USD 25.80 billion in 2024 to USD 39.31 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 4.3% (source: towardspackaging.com).

In this context, aluminum cans remain the winning choice over glass, offering:

• Superior protection: they shield beer from light, oxygen, and moisture, preserving aroma and freshness.
• Simplified logistics: lightweight, shatterproof, and easy to transport, cans require no bottle opener, making them ideal for e-commerce and modern markets.

In the United States, in 2023, 64.1% of beer sold was packaged in cans, compared to 26.9% in glass (source: packagingdive.com), confirming the global trend toward more practical and sustainable solutions.

SUSTAINABILITY, MARKET TRENDS, AND THE RESILIENCE OF CANS

The choice of packaging material significantly affects the environmental footprint of beer. Switching to aluminum reduces the product’s environmental impact by an average of 12%, with peaks of up to 15% across the full production cycle (source: Global Market Insights Inc.).

Cans also contain 3 to 20 times more recycled material than glass or PET, making recycling more efficient and widespread (source: Beer CPA). This sustainability is mirrored in consumer preferences: in the U.S. in 2023, most beer sold (64.1%) was packaged in cans, far surpassing glass at 26.9% (source: packagingdive.com).

The global beer packaging market is expected to continue its expansion in the coming years. Between 2024 and 2030, significant growth is anticipated, with market values estimated between USD 24.8 billion and USD 41.2 billion, and a CAGR of 4.7% (source: Future Market Insights). Key drivers include premium packaging, sustainable solutions, and e-commerce.

However, challenges and opportunities remain. Aluminum is subject to the volatility of trade policies, such as tariffs increasing up to 50% in the U.S. Nevertheless, the rising use of recycled aluminum, which is not subject to duties, mitigates risks for producers. Glass, while still an alternative, is more expensive to transport, reinforcing the resilience and cost-effectiveness of cans over the long term.

Every properly recycled aluminum can becomes raw material for a new production cycle, ensuring value and sustainability. A daily gesture that represents a concrete contribution to the circular economy.

Global demand for aluminum continues to grow, with production for cans expected to rise steadily through 2029.

ALUMINUM: GROWING MARKET, ANALYSIS AND OUTLOOK

An increasing number of consumers are choosing sustainable products, and the aluminum can market is benefiting from this trend.

The sector is expected to grow from USD 33.64 billion in 2023 to USD 34.84 billion in 2025, reaching USD 43.37 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% in recent years.

According to the aluminum industry report (Alcircle), this rapid and steady growth is driven by consumers favoring more eco-friendly and health-conscious purchases, prompting the packaging sector to focus on recyclable and sustainable materials. It has also been noted that the shift to aluminum cans reduces environmental impact compared to glass.

BEER IN CANS AND BEVERAGES ARE DRIVING GROWTH

Among the main types of cans, those used for beer remain particularly popular due to their recyclability, light weight, ease of transport, and storage efficiency.

The beverage can sector is driven by factors such as environmental regulations, recycling policies, consumer preferences for low-impact products, and technological innovations in aluminum production.

Global demand is growing especially in emerging markets, where urbanization processes and rising per capita income are supporting the consumption of packaged beverages.

The “Every Can Counts” campaign returns in the summer of 2025 to promote aluminum recycling.

THE GREEN TOUR OF “EVERY CAN COUNTS”

On the occasion of World Environment Day, the National Consortium for the Recovery and Recycling of Aluminium (CIAL) announced the return of the “Every Can Counts” campaign, the Italian version of the international program Every Can Counts, active in 19 countries in Europe, the United States, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates.

The goal of the project is clear and concrete: to increase the separate collection of beverage cans consumed out of home, where recycling is still less widespread than in domestic environments. Although Italy already boasts an excellent can recycling rate of 93.8% – well above the European target of 86.3% – it remains essential to intervene in large outdoor events, such as concerts and festivals.

INFORM, EDUCATE, INVOLVE

During the summer of 2025, the campaign will be present throughout Italy during the main musical events. A team of young people will raise awareness among the public through games, animations and educational activities, directly collecting used cans. In some stages, the CIAL Rainbow will also be visible, an artistic installation made with eco-active Airlite paints, capable of reducing up to 90% of air pollutants.

The “Every Can Counts” project is not new to excellent results: in previous editions, it has achieved a 100% recycling rate of the cans distributed during events. A success that demonstrates how powerful a simple but incisive message is: every correctly collected can be reborn infinitely, giving new life to aluminium and reducing the environmental impact.

Informing, educating and involving are important tools for building a culture of responsible and widespread recycling. Every gesture, if shared, can really make a difference.

ECOCAP’S IS ALSO COMMITTED TO RECYCLING AND THE ENVIRONMENT

The entire Ecocap’s philosophy is based on recycling and respect for the environment. It is no coincidence that its TopSyl patent allows you to seal cans safely and efficiently: TopSyl is 100% aluminium and 100% recyclable.

Italy at the forefront of aluminum recycling: EU 2025 and 2030 targets exceeded. 

2024: A YEAR OF CONSOLIDATION AND EFFICIENCY IN ALUMINIUM RECYCLING

A structured, widespread and high-performance collection system: this is the Italian model for recycling aluminium packaging, which in 2024 not only reached the European targets set for 2025 (50%), but also anticipated those planned for 2030 (60%).

This is certified by the data illustrated at the Annual Public Assembly of CIAL – National Consortium of Aluminium Packaging.

The recycling rate stood at 68.2%, with an overall recovery of 71.7%. The slight drop compared to 2023 (-2%) is the result of the introduction of the new European rules, which now also include composite packaging containing aluminium. The Italian supply chain has demonstrated great adaptability, effectively managing an increase in the 8.5% placed on the market thanks to a proven collection, selection and treatment network.

Significant results also for beverage cans, with a recycling rate of 86.3%, despite a 16% increase in consumption. The slight percentage drop compared to 2023 (–8%) does not affect the overall efficiency of the system, which was able to respond promptly to the increase in volumes.

ALUMINIUM RECYCLING: A CONCRETE ALLY FOR CLIMATE AND ENERGY

In 2024, the recovery of over 62,400 tons of aluminium packaging made it possible to avoid the release into the atmosphere of approximately 442,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent and save 197,000 tons of oil equivalent.

A substantial contribution to the ecological transition.

In fact, recycled aluminium requires just 5% of the energy used to produce primary aluminium.

This data highlights how each recycled package is not simply waste, but a resource that reduces environmental impact and optimizes energy consumption, making recycling a key strategy for a more sustainable future.

The 2024 data confirm the maturity and effectiveness of the Italian system for the management of aluminium packaging, among the most advanced in Europe. Despite the introduction of new European criteria that expand the calculation of inputs to include composites, the Italian model has maintained high performance, with growing recycling volumes. The result is the fruit of solid cooperation between citizens, businesses and institutions, capable of combining environmental sustainability, economic efficiency and inclusion.

TOPSYL IS 100% RECYCLABLE TOO

Ecocap’s TopSyl patent was specifically designed to meet environmental protection criteria. Made entirely of aluminium and capable of adhering to the can without the need for plastic or glue, TopSyl is the perfect solution to maximize results in terms of hygiene, safety and communication, while respecting nature.

Acqua S.Bernardo is an Official Supporter of Slow Food Italy and, during SANA Food and Slow Wine Fair 2025, it highlighted its role thanks to TopSyl

ACQUA S.BERNARDO, SLOW FOOD ITALIA AND TOPSYL: TOGETHER FOR A GREENER FUTURE 

Sustainable innovation meets responsible food culture: Ecocap’s, thanks to the innovative TopSyl patent, has allowed Acqua S.Bernardo to give visibility to its role as Official Supporter of Slow Food Italia.

The cans of Acqua S.Bernardo – made of 100% recyclable aluminum – have in fact been customized through TopSyl, highlighting the contribution of the Piedmontese company towards Slow Food Italia on the particular occasion of SANA Food and Slow Wine Fair 2025.

Supporting Slow Food Italia, which has always promoted a more equitable and sustainable food system, represents a concrete commitment, by Acqua S.Bernardo, towards a future in which quality, innovation and respect for the environment go hand in hand.

The adoption of TopSyl by a prestigious brand like Acqua S.Bernardo confirms the attention to reducing the ecological impact, responding to the needs of consumers who are increasingly attentive to sustainability.

TOPSYL: INNOVATION, SUSTAINABILITY AND COMMUNICATION 

TopSyl, an international patent by Ecocap’s, is a 100% eco-sustainable capsule that protects the contents of cans without compromising the environment. Made entirely of aluminum, TopSyl offers an effective solution against contamination, improving conservation and ensuring hygiene and safety without the use of glues or plastics.

An integral part of a supply chain that is increasingly attentive to sustainability, TopSyl is also an effective marketing tool. Ideal for promoting initiatives, projects and solutions in an easy and immediate way.