Ball to build new aluminium manufacturing facilities in UK, Russia as EcoBlue expands footprint in Thailand
EURASIA – World’s leading provider of aluminum packaging for beverage, personal care, and household products Ball Corporation is expanding its manufacturing footprint in the Eurasia region with new plants in the UK and Russia.
According to Ball, the new manufacturing facilities would produce billions of cans every year – across a range of formats and sizes – from 2023, and provide up to 200 skilled jobs.
The news follows the announcement earlier this year of Ball’s plans for a new €170 million (US$235.50 million) aluminum can plant in the Czech Republic, which will help boost its output in the EMEA region.
The UK manufacturing facility will be Ball’s third site in the UK and will be located at the Segro Park Kettering Gateway in Northamptonshire.
The planned facility will supply cans for domestic customers in categories such as hard seltzer, wine, and ready-to-drink cocktails.
Ball has submitted a formal application to North Northamptonshire Council and expects to break ground on the newly announced UK facility later this year, following a period of public consultation on the plans.
Meanwhile, the Russian facility will be in Ulyanovsk in the west of the country and its construction will extend Ball’s manufacturing footprint in Russia to four facilities.
“With the demand for our infinitely recyclable aluminium packaging growing fast in an expanding number of categories, we are acting now to support our customers in the UK and Russia,” said Carey Causey, president, Ball beverage packaging EMEA.
“The pandemic and changing consumption patterns mean that consumers are enjoying more of their favourite beverages at home and on the go and want to buy products in packages that they know will be recycled and can contribute to a truly circular economy.”
Eco-blue expands footprint in Thailand
Meanwhile, Thailand-based recycling company EcoBlue has invested US$25 million to set up a new recycling facility for PET and polyolefins.
The company notes that the new facility will enable it to provide high-quality, bottle-grade rPET to its customers.
“With our portfolio of recycled products we provide a choice of sustainable raw materials for companies which look to reduce their impact on the environment,” said Pranay Jain, founder and managing director of EcoBlue.
He added: “In anticipation of the increased commitment of organisations towards sustainability, EcoBlue has invested in setting up a new world-class recycling facility with the very best technologies for PET and polyolefins recycling.
The new project will be undertaken at the company’s production site in Rayong Province, Thailand and will include the installation of a new Starlinger PET bottle-to-bottle recycling line at the facility.
With the aim of tackling plastic waste in Thailand, EcoBlue produces food-grade rPET which is made from certified 100% post-consumer and industrial recycled waste.
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