Upcycling Aluminium Cans with World Aquatics 2025
Discover how we are part of the World Aquatics Championships’ initiative to transform used aluminium cans into shiny new medals, turning waste into a valuable resource
From 11 July to 3 August, Singapore will host the World Aquatics Championships 2025, marking the first time Southeast Asia welcomes this prestigious global event. Competitions will take place at iconic venues including the Singapore Sports Hub, OCBC Aquatic Centre, and Sentosa Island.
But beyond the thrilling races and record-breaking performances, there is a deeper story behind the podium. Ever wondered what medals are really made of – gold, silver, bronze? At this year’s championships, the answer is far more unexpected: used aluminium cans.
This bold move is part of the Trash to Treasure initiative, proudly supported by Cora Environment. Instead of newly mined metals, champions will receive medals crafted from recycled aluminium cans – symbols of victory that also carry a powerful message of sustainability.
MOBILISING THE SCHOOL RECYCLING LEAGUE
This milestone was only made possible through the collective efforts of schools and students participating in the Cora School Recycling League (League). Selected schools within the League rallied together to contribute to a shared mission, and were part of a wider network of organisations which collected 100,000 aluminium cans in total. These aluminium cans were then transformed into 5,000 medals that shone on the world stage at the World Aquatics Championships and the Masters Championships.
FROM BIN TO PODIUM: THE JOURNEY FROM A CAN TO A MEDAL
Ipse Ipsa Ipsum, a sustainable design company and key partner in the Trash to Treasure initiative, was responsible for transforming used aluminium cans into medals. Through a process called open-loop recycling, each can was cleaned, processed, and smelted down before being recreated into a symbol of achievement.
Weighing approximately 150 grams, each medal contains the equivalent of 20 recycled cans. By combining innovation with thoughtful design, Ipse Ipsa Ipsum helped to divert waste from landfills and turned it into something meaningful.
SHAPING THE FUTURE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME
At Cora Environment, our vision is clear: to build a zero-waste future where waste is not the end, but the beginning of something new. We partner with businesses to reduce their environmental footprint through a suite of integrated solutions, from waste profiling to resource recovery and energy-from-waste.
Since the launch of Cora School Recycling League in 2023, we have engaged over 400 schools. The League aims to educate students about the importance of good recycling habits and inculcate a culture of environmental responsibility from a young age. Through the League and other educational efforts, we are helping to shape a generation that sees recycling as second nature. It is one of many initiatives that reflect our commitment to putting people, purpose, and planet at the heart of everything we do.