Steel

Infinitely Recyclable!

Since 1929 Independent Can has strived to operate in an ethical and responsible manner in all aspects of the business. There is no difference when it comes to the steps needed for responsible stewardship of our environment. Long before environmentalism was in vogue, Independent Can took initiatives and implemented programs to reduce waste, save energy, eliminate pollutants and cut costs.

As the manufacturer of decorative tins that are made from tin-plated steel we participate in steel recycling and all of the steel that goes into our cans contains recycled steel. When you tour our plant you will be able to see large totes used for scrap steel that will be hauled away to one of the more than 2000 steel recycling facilities in North America.

Recycling steel helps the environment in a number of ways. Not only is the recycled steel used to make new products but the process itself saves resources and energy. Recycling steel uses 60% less energy than melting down ore to make new. Steel takes less effort to recycle due to the simple fact that it can be separated from materials heading for land fills and from other impurities by a magnet. This is a claim that cannot be made about aluminum recycling.

As a matter of fact more steel is recycled each year than aluminum, paper, plastic and glass combined! (www.recycle-steel.org) Steel adds to the shelf life of products, reducing waste in that way, but is also more environmentally friendly than poly bags, boxes and foil lined paper.

The steel industry has become very "green" and so has Independent Can. Based on employee research and suggestion we’ve implemented a program to recycle and reuse recycled solvents from the cleaning of our printing presses. Our lithography plant was built to exceed EPA standards at the time and continues to be a model for environmental responsibility. Our folding cartons are made from 30% recycled materials. The employees in each department are invested in the achievement of the company’s goals for a better world through consistent voluntary efforts.