The Aerosol Can and the Demands of the Cycling Scene
Recyclable, more sustainable, safe, and efficient in application: Aerosol cans (commonly referred to as spray cans, with aerosols being the propellants used in the can) are often criticized – but is that justified? As experts in optimal lubrication within the cycling community, innobike has taken a deep dive into this topic – and drawn a logical conclusion!
“Planet Plastic” and a Fact About Spray Cans (Aerosol Cans)!
According to Wikipedia, "Plastic is a colloquial term for synthetic materials primarily made of macromolecules, which in turn consist of polymers." (1) Currently, only about 40% of plastic is recycled. "Burning is cheaper than recycling. Until 2019, only a minimum of 36% of plastics had to be recycled in Germany," (2) reported t-online recently. Plastic that isn’t incinerated likely ends up in our oceans or elsewhere. According to the Fraunhofer Institute: "The time required for the degradation of different polymers in the environment can vary by at least three orders of magnitude. Particularly for difficult-to-degrade polymers, significant methodological uncertainties exist. Studies suggest degradation times of up to 2,000 years!" (3)
Fact: In contrast, fully emptied spray or aerosol cans are almost entirely recycled!
How Does the Recycling of Spray Cans (Aerosol Cans) Work?
"Fully emptied spray cans can be easily recycled through waste collection systems. In 2016 alone, over 327,600 tons of used tinplate and aluminum packaging were recycled in Germany," (4) according to the German Federal Statistical Office. The Aerosol Association further explains: "This corresponds to an almost complete recycling of these packaging materials in 'dual systems'. Spray cans are separated into their base metals, aluminum and tinplate, for recycling. Aluminum is a pure metal and can be reused without special treatment. Aluminum cans are sorted from other packaging using 'eddy current separators.' The cans are cleaned, finely shredded, melted, and cast into sheets for reuse. Recycling aluminum requires only up to one-fourth of the energy needed to produce new aluminum. Tinplate, as a form of steel, is a fully recyclable raw material without quality loss. In recycling plants, tinplate cans are extracted using large magnets and processed into new sheets. This recycling process saves about 1.5 tons of ore extraction and 0.5 tons of fossil fuels (coal, coke, heavy oil) per ton of recycled tinplate scrap annually in Germany." (5)
Spray Cans (Aerosol Cans) Are … Safe!
Regarding safety, the Aerosol Association states: "When used correctly and as intended, aerosols are not only practical but also completely safe – whether at home or in the workplace. To ensure proper handling, manufacturers print all necessary user information, safety warnings, and any additional labels directly on each spray can. Further instructions and application tips are provided depending on the product." (6)
The Environmental Aspect of Spray Cans (Aerosol Cans)!
"Concerns about the environmental impact of spray cans, especially their contribution to climate change, are often raised. However, the facts prove otherwise. The aerosol industry accounts for just 0.006% of total greenhouse gas emissions due to its use of propellants and solvents. Emissions from spray cans are therefore negligible in terms of their impact on climate change. The concerns still associated with CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) in spray cans belong to the past: As early as the late 1980s, the industry voluntarily phased out the use of CFCs as propellants within two years," states the Aerosol Association (7). One of Germany’s leading climate researchers, Prof. Dr. Reinhard Zellner from the Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry at the University of Essen, confirms that aerosol sprays have no significant impact on the environment: "From today’s perspective, the effect of propellants and solvents in the aerosol industry on environmental issues such as stratospheric ozone depletion, anthropogenic climate change, and photochemical smog is negligible."
A Quick Look Inside and a Conclusion!
What exactly is in our aerosol cans compared to lubricants in plastic bottles? It’s simply an additional propane-butane propellant – a gas mixture commonly used in grilling or camping. There’s nothing else inside! Considering all the discussed aspects – recycling, environmental impact, and safety – our conclusion is clear: We offer our customers high-quality, innovative lubricants in both packaging options – whether in plastic bottles or aerosol cans – but we strongly recommend the aerosol solution. …Just try!
Sources
- Wikipedia: Kunststoff
- t-online: Recycling Issues with Plastics
- Fraunhofer Institute: Plastic Decomposition Study
- German Federal Statistical Office: "Waste Disposal Series 19, 2016" (Table 22)
- Aerosol Association: Spray Can Recycling
- Aerosol Association: Spray Can Safety
- Aerosol Association: Environmental Aspects