PPG Partners with Can Manufacturers Institute, Recycling is Like Magic! to Launch Aluminum Beverage Can Recycling Contest

Pittsburgh students to compete in ‘2 Million Cans Recycling Contest’

PPG announced that it is joining a U.S. recycling movement to collect millions of aluminum beverage cans as part of the “2 Million Cans Recycling Contest.” The contest is a partnership with the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), recycling education group Recycling is like Magic!, elementary schools, scrapyards and aluminum can makers and suppliers to encourage students to learn about the importance of recycling.

Between Oct. 1 and April 30, 2025, elementary students from 12 states will participate in the competition, which aims to provide environmental awareness, hands-on learning, teamwork and community engagement with young learners. In Pittsburgh, students from Environmental Charter School and Mendon Elementary School are participating with support from the Mon-Valley Recycling Center. 

“We’re proud to support an initiative that raises awareness about aluminum recycling,” said Rodolfo Ramirez, PPG vice president, Packaging Coatings. “PPG is a member of CMI and works closely with the world’s leading aluminum sheet suppliers, can makers and brands to provide safe, innovative and reliable coatings that allow consumers to enjoy their favorite products in packaging made from infinitely recyclable metal. By working closely with our partners in the industry, our hope is to see an increase in the country’s recycling rate, starting here in Pittsburgh.” 

According to Recycling is like Magic!, only 26% of cans are recycled in Pennsylvania versus 45% in the U.S. overall. The contest was inspired by Jessica Alexanderson, president of Recycling is like Magic, and author of The Girl Who Recycled 1 Million Cans.

“This initiative will teach students about the value of recycling used aluminum beverage cans and how it makes a difference for people and our planet,” said Alexanderson. “Our youngest minds are leading the way in the 2 Million Cans Recycling Contest, and I’m excited to see what they will achieve this year.”
Participating schools will earn money from the aluminum beverage cans collected and sold to a local scrapyard partner. They will also receive prizes for hitting specific recycling goals throughout the year, and three schools will be awarded top prizes. The prizes are sponsored by CMI members who will serve as Aluminum Beverage Can Champion Sponsors. 

“Recycling aluminum beverage cans comes with significant environmental and economic benefits, especially when we all work together as a team to collect and recycle as many cans as possible,” said Scott Breen CMI’s senior vice president of Sustainability.

The progress of students participating in the 2 Million Cans Recycling Contest can be tracked online and across social media with the hashtag #2MillionCans.

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD®

The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI)

CMI is the national trade association of the metal can manufacturing industry and its suppliers in the United States. The can industry accounts for the annual domestic production of approximately 131.6 billion food, beverage, aerosol and general line cans; employs more than 28,000 people with plants in 33 states, Puerto Rico and American Samoa; and generates about $15.7 billion in direct economic activity.

Recycling is like Magic!

Recycling is like Magic!, founded in April 2022, coordinates the Million Cans Recycling program, serving as a vital link between schools, CMI, and scrapyards. The organization’s mission is to eliminate metal waste from the landfill within the next 30 years by teaching students that all metal has value and can be recycled at their local scrapyard. Aluminum, in particular, can be recycled indefinitely – so it should never be thrown in the trash. With recycling, that same can could one day become a new can, an airplane, an iPad, or even part of a space shuttle. Through engaging books, and hands-on educational programs, Recycling is like Magic! empowers students to see how their everyday actions can create lasting, positive impacts for our planet.

About PPG Industries

At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty materials that our customers have trusted for more than 140 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $18.2 billion in 2023. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.

The PPG Logo and We protect and beautify the world are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

Contact:

Robin DeSantis – Media Contact – rdesantis@ppg.com – (412) 652-4336

Source: PPG Industries, Inc.