CANPACK, one of the largest producers of metal packaging in the world, announced an increase of production capacities by over a billion of cans per annum in the two expanding markets – in Russia and Columbia. At the same time, investments will reach over USD 80 mln. The decision is driven by a focus on the environment, as well as a growing canned beverage market in the above regions.

‘We are happy to build up capacities in these markets and continue to offer a wide range of new aluminium packages to our customers. With a new focus on the environmental sustainability and an on-going growth in sectors beyond beer, refreshments and energy drinks, such as wine, coffee, tea and water, more and more brands address CANPACK to help them market their products,’ said Roberto Villaquiran, CEO of CANPACK Group.

The company plans to increase its production in Russia by 34% from 1.9 billion to 2.55 billion cans per year. CANPACK will increase its production in Columbia by 46% – from 1.3 billion to 1.9 billion cans per annum. It is expected that the expansion will increase the manpower in Russia and in Columbia by more than 150 people – by 97 and 54, respectively.

It should be noted that a new CANPACK line produces 449 ml cans in Russia, because it is most preferred by beer producers and consumers. In addition, the company produces 250 ml, 330 ml, 330 ml FIT and 500 ml cans in this country.

In turn, Natalia Kudenkova, head of Consumer Goods of the Aluminium Association, gave the following comment on the capacity expansion by CANPACK: ‘This is good news for the market, it confirms a global trend towards expansion of such environmentally-friendly packaging as aluminium cans. I would like this trend to find its way in Russian reality, despite initiatives to turn EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) into an extra fiscal burden tool against a packaging manufacturer. We hope, our government will take a weighed decision and will implement only the best and proven global practices in Russia.’

FOR REFERENCE
CANPACK, which is part of Giorgi Global Holdings, Inc, is a world producer of aluminium cans for drinks, food packaging, glass bottles and metal caps. The Head Office of the company is located in Krakow (Poland). The company employs almost 8,000 people over the world and it operates in 19 countries.