SA set for introduction of aluminium beverage cans

"Aluminium is already the preferred medium for beverage cans internationally. Globally, 85% of all beverage cans are made from this material," says Erik Smuts, managing director of Nampak Bevcan.

An advantageous conversion

The new aluminium can lines will be capable of running eight can sizes and will produce cans at speeds of up to 3000 cans per minute, as opposed to the 1600 steel cans currently produced per minute.

"The decision to move to aluminium-bodied cans was a natural progression due to the inherent advantages the conversion will hold for the economy, the beverage industry, consumers and the environment," says Smuts.

The expansion at the Bevcan Springs Nuffield plant has already had a positive impact in the Ekurhuleni Metropolis, with more than 40 new jobs being created with the first aluminium line installation, while two more existing tin-plate lines will be converted to aluminium.

The benefits of aluminium as opposed to steel are that due to the ability to hedge aluminium, it could be a far more stable commodity; the material cost is transparent whereas steel is more volatile with price fluctuations. Aluminium also weighs 60% less than steel resulting in reduced transportation costs.

Further benefits

The conversion to aluminium will also result in a significantly improved carbon footprint status. Approximately 10% less energy will be used in the manufacturing process due to no external coating required, only one bank of spray machines will be used, only one oven is used and conveying in the production line is reduced by two thirds, which will also save a lot of electricity.

Zimasa Velaphi, public relations and marketing manager of Collect-a-Can, can recovery and recycling company, adds, "The value of used aluminium cans is much higher than that of tin-plated steel cans. The conversion will therefore be a more economically viable option for informal can collectors to earn a living or supplement a low income, which will ultimately result in an increase in recycling volumes. Currently the recycling rate of all beverage cans recycled in South Africa is estimated at 72%, significantly more than any other beverage format in South Africa," concludes Velaphi.

It is estimated that between R100 million-R200 million a year would flow into the scrap metals and recycling industry, allowing an additional 2000-3000 people a source of income from collecting and selling used cans.

For more information, go to www.nampak.com/Metals-Bevcan.aspx.