Coca-Cola to spend R5.6 billion lightweight can development

Therese Gearhart, CCS president said, "The new aluminium can is in line with best global practice and trends in packaging and will provide us with an exciting opportunity to continue refreshing our consumers without compromising the brand experience. It is light and easy-to-carry and will appeal to today's environmentally-conscious consumer." Fully recyclable, the new can has superior corrosion resistant properties and is lighter, so less fuel and energy is needed for transportation.

Erik Smuts, Bevcan MD said, "We are pleased to have partnered with Coca-Cola in this project. Our infrastructure investment for this project includes installation of a new high speed line at one of our Gauteng plants, which is due for commissioning in May 2013."

"The move to aluminium will support the local economy by utilising local manufacturers, thus creating a number of much needed jobs in South Africa," concluded Gearhart.

The new cans will be introduced to the Gauteng market late this year and to the rest of the country in 2014.