Aluminium Toyo Ultimate Can (aTULC) and Texas-based American Canning are planning to introduce a new can liner to the Craft brewery industry in the US. Although being created in an entirely waterless operation, aTULC employs a pre-coated aluminium sheet with a more durable liner to defend against can corrosivity, in contrast to standard sprayed-on BPANI and epoxy coatings.
“We’re excited to bring this technology to the states with a plant solely dedicated to craft. US craft is experiencing strong growth in many categories that have traditionally struggled with compatibility in aluminium cans. Think wine, cider, and ready-to-drink cocktails,” said David Racino, co-founder and CEO of American Canning.
aTULC manufacture, created by Toyo Seikan Group Holdings, Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan), promises to increase the range of beverages that may be packaged in cans while also increasing sustainability measures on a product that is already infinitely recyclable.
“The feature of aTULC is that it is possible to install a can manufacturing line in one-third the footprint of conventional facilities without water or the need for infrastructure to support wastewater treatment. As a result, smaller lots of local product for local consumption can be supplied – two cornerstones of craft,” said Satoshi Nishino, executive officer and head of customer solutions at Toyo Seikan Group Holdings.
Pre-coated aluminium sheet replaces the requirement for harsh chemicals and lubricants that are typically used to mould raw aluminium into the shape of a can body in aTULC manufacture. Moreover, it ensures a stronger layer of protection against can corrosivity and 100 per cent uniformity in liner application, increasing product shelf-life and minimising flavour absorption. The development of the craft beer sector has led to the demand for aTULC, according to David Racino.
“Our business has always been centred on enabling brands to make their way into cans. The introduction of aTULC as a third liner option will allow craft producers to completely re-imagine the types of products that can be packaged in cans. Having won beverage ‘Can of the Year’ in 2019, aTULC’s technology is proven to more than double product shelf-life in hard-to-hold categories,” stated Racino.
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