Novelis brings its Recycle for Good campaign to the 2019 Kentucky Derby

Novelis Inc. is the recycling partner of the 2019 Kentucky Derby.

The company will provide recycling bins for around 80,000 Derby revellers gathered in the infield at Churchill Downs on 3 and 4 May. Aluminium cans and bottles collected during this year’s Derby will be recycled at Novelis' facility in Berea, Kentucky, with the value of the aluminium being donated to help fund the building of a Habitat for Humanity home.

“Our Kentucky roots date back almost 35 years with plants in Berea, our joint venture Logan Aluminum in Russellville and our plant under construction in Guthrie that combined provide more than 1,500 jobs,” said Marco Palmieri, president of Novelis North America. “What better place to showcase the importance of recycling than during the 'Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports' where nearly 370,000 beverages in aluminium cans are consumed?”

On average and depending on region, Novelis and its Recycle for Good partners collect 1.5 to 3 million used beverage cans to fully fund a Habitat for Humanity home. “We take pride in providing the world with a product that is 100 percent recyclable,” Palmieri said. “It only takes about 60 days for a can to be recycled and back on store shelves. We're hoping our partnership with the 2019 Derby will not only raise awareness for the importance of recycling, but also help put a roof over at least one Kentucky family.”

Novelis recycles more than 65 billion used beverage cans each year, turning them back into aluminium sheet to produce new cans. Recycling aluminium requires just five percent of the energy used to produce primary aluminium with only five percent of the associated greenhouse gases, resulting in greater carbon reduction and a safer environment.