Sustainable packaging solutions provider Ball has unveiled plans to construct new aluminium beverage packaging facilities in the UK and Russia.
The new facilities will enable the company to significantly increase its manufacturing capacity and deliver more sustainable purchasing options for new brands and beverage categories.
Expected to commence operations in 2023, each facility will hold the capacity to manufacture billions of cans per annum across a range of formats and sizes.
The new aluminium beverage packaging facilities are expected to create up to 200 skilled jobs.
Ball has found a site for the new facility at the SEGRO Park Kettering Gateway in Northamptonshire in the UK.
The company has completed the submission of its formal application to North Northamptonshire Council, as well as aims to break ground during this year following a period of public consultation.
The planned Kettering plant will be the third beverage can manufacturing facility for the company in the country. It already operates facilities in Milton Keynes and Wakefield.
Ball’s new UK facility will distribute cans for domestic customers in various categories such as hard seltzers, wines, ready to drink cocktails, pure and enhanced water brands.
The firm intends to construct a new beverage can manufacturing facility in Western Russia to better meet the requirements of the beer and energy drinks categories.
Ball Beverage Packaging Naro-Fominsk has entered into a cooperation agreement with the Ulyanovsk Regional Government to build the new facility.
The Ulynavosk plant will be the fourth beverage can manufacturing facility for the company in Russia.
It has manufacturing facilities in Naro-Fominsk of Moscow Region, Vesvolozhsk of St. Petersburg Region and Argayash of Chelyabinsk Region.
Ball Beverage Packaging EMEA president Carey Causey said: “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.
“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.”
In January this year, Ball announced plans to invest €170m for the construction of a new aluminium can facility near Pilsen in the western Czech Republic.