Recan Foundation: How are endless metal recycling and Vincan culture related?
The Recan Foundation and Vinča Belo Brdo Archaeological Site have joined forces in promoting the significance of metal recycling and its positive impact on the eco-stability of the planet Earth. Endless recyclability of metal was the central topic of an event organised in the Barutana in Belgrade and provided an opportunity to combine the missions of Recan and Vinča in a unique activity. Support was also provided by the EXIT Foundation, part of the renowned festival team, with a special focus on environmental protection.
The prehistoric site in Vinča, at Belo brdo hill, located at the Danube bank, represents a globally recognised archaeological site with the artefacts dating from 5300 to 4600 B.C. Vincan culture has made a mark in numerous elements of the mankind heritage, and the link with the Recan Foundation lies in the fact that Vincan culture was the first to start melting metal. As metals have been recycled so many times throughout history, it means that the molecules melted for the first time in Vinča have been circulating up to the present day.
The Recan Foundation, established by beverage can producer Ball Beverage Packaging Europe in 2005, strategically promotes the significance of environmental protection and raising awareness about can recycling.
“An aluminium beverage can is a fully sustainable product, made from a single material, which can be endlessly recycled without losing its quality – so it’s a perfect contributor to the circular economy,” said Jelena Kiš, a representative of the Recan Foundation
On behalf of Vinča Belo Brdo Archaeological Site, executive manager Miroslav Kočić, PhD, noted that the seed of the industrial revolution was sowed in Vinča – the first metal melting in the world.
“Mastering metallurgy and turning a stone into metal and practical items initiated the processes that forever changed the world. It is our obligation to promote this site and the way of life of the population of Vinča, as well as their numerous innovations, which can serve as an inspiration.”
“The Exit Foundation’s support in this project is part of our activities related to tourism branding and promotion of Serbia’s cultural heritage, as well as to raising eco-awareness among youth. We have an exceptional heritage of Vincan culture, which can be promoted in a modern manner with the support of the creative sector and then gain economic sustainability and protection via cultural tourism development,” said BoD Chairman of the Exit Foundation Ivan Petrović.
For 15 years, the Recan Foundation’s objective is to promote the significance of environmental protection by raising awareness about can recycling, as well as education of consumers in order to adopt can recycling as a final and regular activity. Owing to recycling, 75% of the ever produced aluminium is still in use. A can is a fully sustainable product, made from a single material, which can be endlessly recycled without losing its quality.