Damm and Ball Launch World’s First ASI Certified Cans

Barcelona-based brewer of fine, Spanish beer, Damm, has achieved ASI (Aluminium Stewardship Initiative) Performance Standard and Chain of Custody Standard certification, making it the first beverage company in the world complete the double.

The twin certification guarantees high environmental, ethical and social standards for the whole aluminium chain, from the production of the aluminium to making the cans, brewing and recycling.

From this March onwards, all Damm’s cans, which are supplied by Ball Corporation, will be certified according to ASI’s Performance Standard for responsible production, sourcing and stewardship. The certification covers packaging and storage of beer in cans, as well as related activities including design, packaging and storage of finished products, waste management and storage, and the recovery of waste, including end consumer’s packaging waste.

As consumers demand greater sustainability from their packaged goods, the ASI scheme aims to do for aluminium what the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) did for paper and wood, making sustainability performance a mainstream issue.

The ASI certification also acknowledges Damm’s work in raising awareness of aluminium recycling, through the 349 can compactors it places every year along the Mediterranean coast. As well as this pioneering initiative in the drinks sector, the company partners organisations that promote responsibility among producers and recycling.

Carey Causey, President, Ball Beverage Packaging, EMEA, said: “Today’s announcement represents a landmark moment as we bring together our customers’ ambitions to contribute to a genuinely sustainable economy, with the circular potential of the aluminium beverage can, the world’s most recycled beverage package. Damm’s more than 25 iconic beer brands are enjoyed by consumers in more than 133 countries. We have relished working with such a forward-thinking company that is meeting the increasing demand for sustainable products from consumers and society.”