Alcan sets new record; Alcan acquires Baltek

Leslie Bakun

Montreal, Canada -- Alcan has announced it recycled 24 billion used beverage cans in 2002, an increase of 2 billion from the previous year, setting a new recycling record. Overall, Alcan recycled 45 percent of all used beverage cans collected in North America. Alcan is aggressively promoting aluminum beverage can recycling to raise awareness and increase the overall recycling rate at a time when many cities are scaling back on recycling programs. Used aluminum beverage cans have a value over $1,000 a ton, a rate that shows how the high value of recyclable aluminum can help pay for comprehensive curbside recycling programs.

Additionally, Alcan has completed the acquisition of Baltek Corporation, the world’s leading supplier of balsa-based structural core materials. The company will be named Alcan Baltek Corp. and will become part of the Alcan Composites business unit. The acquisition offers value-creating synergies particularly in best practice transfers, logistics and technology.