Aluminum cans see 50 years

MillerCoors celebrated their 50th anniversary of the seamless and recyclable aluminum can. After several years in development, the first can was introduced for use at the Coors Golden brewery in January, 1959. This invention revolutionized the beer and consumer packaged goods industry and spurred recycling efforts nationwide. MillerCoors continues that commitment to innovation and sustainable development today.

In 1957, William K. Coors, who at the time was president of Adolph Coors Company, began researching with his staff engineers, the feasibility of a recyclable aluminum container for beer. At the time, beer was packaged in tin containers that not only gave beer an aftertaste, but also resulted in an environmental issue due to waste. Aluminum allowed the company to deliver fresher tasting beer to consumers without needing pasteurization and was 100 percent recyclable.

After many prototypes, Bill Coors and his team finally succeeded in developing a seamless aluminum can, a version of which is still in use today throughout the industry.

This significant milestone underscores MillerCoors commitment to sustainable development and the environment. In fact, zero waste is a goal for all MillerCoors breweries. Through recycling teams, the company is actively working to bring landfill contributions down and increase recycling of glass, aluminum, cardboard, plastics and segregation of metals. MillerCoors currently recycles approximately 98 percent of items used in brewing facilities that do not leave as finished product.

MillerCoors recently partnered with RecycleBank, an innovative national program that helps encourage recycling by awarding customers redeemable points for recycling and allowing them to redeem the points for gift certificates on MillerCoors branded gear.