Crown China expansion sees rise in aluminium cans
Jozef Salaerts, president, Crown Asia Pacific, said demand for aluminium cans was on the increase because manufacturers continue to recognize the benefits for this type of product including long shelf life, 100% recyclable, drinks stay cold for longer, they are portable, and they are easy to transport, handle and display.
“As brand owners and consumers continue to recognize the many benefits aluminum beverage cans bring, demand for the package continues to increase,” he said.
Regional distribution
“These new plants will primarily supply local customers, although they may be called upon to serve other parts of the country.”
The Heshan facility currently operates one can line and one end line, with an initial annual production capacity of approximately 725m two-piece 330ml and 355ml beverage cans and 1.4bn 202-diameter ends.
Production began in June 2012, while beverage can production started in October 2012. The factory will produce 500ml beverage cans.
Multiple can sizes
The Ziyang plant began producing beverage cans at the end of July 2012. One can line is currently in operation, giving the facility an annual production capacity of approximately 650m two-piece 330ml and 355ml beverage cans.
The Putian factory operates two lines and can produce 150ml, 330ml and 500ml two-piece cans. The first line began production in April 2012 while the second line started operations in February this year. It has an initial annual production capacity of 1.4bn 330ml beverage cans.
The Heshan plant had its official opening ceremony on July 9, Ziyang on July 30, and Putian on August 1.
The Canmaker Summit
The next event for Crown Holdings is The Canmaker Summit, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, from November 7-8, in Scotland. Among the guest speakers is Daniel Abramowicz, executive vice president Technology and regulatory affairs, Crown Holdings and Raphael Thevenin, sales and marketing director, Rigid Packaging.
Abramowicz has global responsibility for technology development, including product design, process improvements, materials developments and engineering across Crown’s packaging products. He is also head of the company’s Environment, Health and Safety Organization and Crown’s Sustainability Initiative.
