The new beverage packaging is intended to save carbon impact, improve the can end appearances and boost productivity
Laminated can ends. (Credit: PRNewswire/ Novelis Inc.)
US-based sustainable aluminium solutions provider Novelis has unveiled its new laminated aluminium surfaces for beverage can ends.
The technology enhances the aesthetic of beverage containers, boosts production process effectiveness, and reduces CO2 emissions for European beverage companies and can producers
Through the launch, Novelis intends to place itself as a leader in the expanding market for aluminium beverage packaging.
According to the firm, coloured beverage can ends, particularly in black, are quite popular for fresh and inventive beverage products and energy drinks.
Producing lacquered, black ends, however, also presents difficulties for can manufacturers’ production procedures and colour stability.
The new aluminium sheet from Novelis includes a laminating layer in black which complies with all standards set out by the food and beverage industries and is devoid of PFAS, BPA, and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl compounds.
The laminating film is applied at Novelis’ Göttingen facility in Germany, which specialises in rolled aluminium surface finishing, using a combination of pressure and heat.
The firm said the adoption of the laminated sheets by beverage can manufacturers is easy because the production doesn’t require line retooling or upgradation.
Novelis’ product innovation helps beverage companies and can manufacturers achieve their sustainability objectives.
Compared to the traditional liquid coating, the lamination of aluminium coils for can ends decreases CO2 emissions by 33% since it uses less heat and chemicals.
The lamination film is removed as an organic component in the recycling process by thermal pretreatment, and waste heat is utilised in the process, much like the standard can coating, said Novelis.
Novelis Europe can vice president Alexander Kuzan said: “This innovation meets the food and packaging industry’s requirements for high-quality, lower CO2 footprint material.
“Together with our customers, we are creating better, more sustainable products and efficient manufacturing processes.
“Using high levels of recycled aluminium in our products helps reduce the consumption of natural resources, strengthen the circular economy and limit climate change.”
In Nachterstedt, Saxony-Anhalt, the company runs one of the biggest, most advanced facilities for recycling aluminium.