Commercial definition
Used aluminium beverage cans prepared for remelting, normally supplied in compressed export bales and controlled for moisture, dirt, ferrous material and non-UBC contamination.
Specification framework
| Parameter | Commercial expectation |
|---|---|
| Metal / recovery basis | Aluminium can-stream basis; seller purity claims must be verified |
| Moisture | Frequently specified at a low maximum such as 2%, but contract controls |
| Contamination | Non-UBC aluminium, plastics, steel, glass, dirt and trapped liquids to agreed limits |
| Not permitted unless agreed | Sealed liquid containers, excessive moisture, hazardous cans, glass or concealed waste |
| Packaging | Dense export bales with dimensions and bale weight agreed |
Inspection priorities
Break or probe representative bales, check trapped liquid, plastics, steel, dirt, non-can aluminium and bale density.
- Verify stock identity and ownership before relying on photographs or video.
- Use representative sampling rather than inspecting only the visible outer layer.
- Record gross, tare and net weight basis and reconcile it with shipping documents.
- Agree the claims procedure, notification period and testing method before shipment.
Packing and loading
Dense export bales with dimensions and bale weight agreed. Container suitability, floor loading, securing, bale or bundle dimensions, seal control and photographic evidence should be considered before dispatch.
Commercial considerations
Pricing is influenced by recoverable metal, reference-market movements, processing cost, contamination risk, freight, financing, destination requirements and the timing mechanism in the contract. A large headline discount can be misleading when the specification or payment risk is weak.
Typical end uses: Can-sheet and secondary aluminium remelting
Frequently asked questions
Is the stated purity guaranteed by the grade name?
No. The grade name is commercial shorthand. Purity or recovery must be supported by an agreed specification, representative evidence and the contractual inspection method.
Can moisture and contamination simply be deducted at destination?
Only if the contract defines how they are measured, the acceptable limits, the independent party or laboratory, and the settlement formula.
Is third-party inspection sufficient on its own?
Inspection can reduce risk but does not replace counterparty due diligence, secure payment terms, document verification and clear title to the material.
Related references
See UBC inspection checklist and moisture deduction tool.