[GRRN] plastic vs aluminum

John Lavery (mgpn@mb.sympatico.ca)
Fri, 12 Nov 1999 19:02:11 -0600

Hi, I know there has been a lot of discussion on this list about soft
drink packaging - A large institution that I work with is reviewing a
tender for 40 soft drink machines. At present these machines carry
aluminum cans. There is a recycling program set up for these cans, and
the institution receives some revenue from this recycling. The new
tender wants to replace the machines with 600 ml plastic bottles.
Recycling of these bottles will be cost neutral at best and may actually

cost, because the bottles have to be shipped quite far (often to the US
from Canada). Does anyone have any thoughts, or comments on this
proposed change? Are there significant environmental impact differences

between using the aluminum as opposed to the plastic? Any info you can
provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

John

--
John Lavery
Coordinator
Manitoba Green Procurement Network Inc.
c/o NA325 Environmental Protection
Health Sciences Centre
820 Sherbrook Street
Winnipeg, MB R3A 1R9


(204) 787-2767 (phone)
(204) 787-4854 (fax)
(204) 793-4016 (cell - the best way to reach me!)
mgpn@mb.sympatico.ca