Blends ingredients supplier embraces aluminum canning as RTD beverage recyclability demands peak

06 Jan 2021 --- Blends has launched an aluminum canning line in response to the rising demand for eco-conscious, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage packaging.

Producing an initial capacity of 28 million units per year, the natural and non-natural food flavors, colors and ingredients supplier’s new line-up includes 150 mL, 250 mL slim and 330 mL sleek cans.

Experts at Blends share what motivated the move to add metal cans to the company’s traditional glass and recyclable plastic bottle ranges with PackagingInsights. 

From concept to can
In late 2019, Blends began looking into the environmental and financial benefits of investing in aluminum cans and contacting companies selling canning lines. 

“As we work with flavors and develop beverage products for various clients, we needed to track all the trends for the beverage sector,” says Anne Wiziack, marketing and graphic designer at Blends. 

The new line-up boasts 150 mL, 250 mL slim and 330 mL sleek cans.“We saw that sustainable packaging is now a priority for many brands and some companies started to offer canned drinks as a sustainable option. Also, this was due to the significant increase in the demand for RTD products in the past two years.” 

Innova Market Insights data shows a 2 percent global CAGR (2016-2020) on soft drinks. With a 10.5 percent global CAGR, aluminum cans are one of the top two fastest-growing packaging formats – followed by carton boxes (13 percent).

Turning delays into job creation
Some delays in launching the canning line were expected early on, as the company had to build a new “clean room” specifically to accommodate the new canning line before taking delivery of any machinery. 

“From a mechanical and a logistical point of view, we did experience some difficulties behind the running of the machine and [learned] how to rectify any issues with downtime,” adds Francesca Cirafici, Blends’ finance manager.

The canning line became operational after eight months despite pandemic-related delays.“However, having a supplier that was able to guide us in the areas that we needed particular help with, we were able to train our staff successfully.” 

Upskilling its employees created more external jobs and extended opportunities for internal employees at Blends. 

Despite additional unforeseen COVID-19-related delays, the canning line was installed and operational after eight months.

An all-encompassing service
On top of its latest canning line, Blends has also invested in new labs and technical teams to offer packaging solutions and bespoke solutions for beverage products, covering everything from flavors to colors and commodity ingredients.

“It’s been an exceptionally busy period since the application labs were built with a huge emphasis on innovation and research,” operations director Michael Rowark details. 

“Our strategy for the upcoming year is to utilize our facilities and assist our customers launch their ranges of health-focused products.”

Blend’s new labs and research teams provide bespoke solutions for beverages and packaging.Consumers doing their bit
With consumer interest in aluminum cans and their infinite recyclability rising, beverage producers across the board are turning to metal cans.

An Every Can Counts survey found most Europeans recycle at home (93 percent), but would do so more frequently in public spaces if national recycling infrastructure were more accessible (93 percent).

In October, a Ball-commissioned YouGov poll found 75 percent of UK consumers feel it is more important retailers and brands consider the environment since the COVID-19 outbreak.

By Anni Schleicher