10.10.2023 - Aluminium Association

Natalia Kudenkova, Head of the Consumer Goods Sector, spoke at the business programme of the Glass Forum — Expert Club, where she discussed current trends in the aluminium packing market. The expert highlighted the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiative to be implemented in 2024. The market is anticipating the introduction of a 100% recycling standard. It will result in higher expenses and environmental fees for non-recyclable packaging. This is encouraging the manufacturers to be more responsible in their choice of packaging. Aluminium has a clear advantage here, as it can be recycled indefinitely.

According to market experts, the beer market is currently the main consumer of aluminium cans. The share of aluminium containers in this segment has grown to 30%.

In 2022, over 9 bln. aluminium cans were manufactured in Russia for the domestic market

By the end of 2024, with the commissioning of the Ulyanovsk smelter and expansions in Kazakhstan, the EAEU aluminium cans production will increase by 30% compared to 2022.

New markets for aluminium cans are wine, energy drinks, drinking water, and functional drinks, which are often found in vending machines located at fitness centres. Currently, there is a growing demand for composites, e.g. foil + laminated paper, or smooth foil (they are used as packages for dairy products, baby food, cigarettes, and animal food). There is also a growing demand for aluminium caps and capsules for champagne and liqueurs.

In 2022, RUSAL met the entire demand for raw materials for the production of champagne capsules and laminate liqueur capsules, which increased as international suppliers left the Russian market and domestic production of still and sparkling wines grew. Samara Metallurgical Plant doubled the production of sheets for screw caps as the manufacturers are shifting to domestic raw materials.

ext-align: justify;"> Natalia Kudenkova identified the key challenges for the industry. One of them is mandatory labelling of beer and soft drinks in aluminium cans starting from 2024. The Aluminium Association recommends using aluminium sealing lids for labelling. There is a pool of companies in Russia and the EAEU countries which make sealing lids with 2D Data Matrix codes. The aluminium sealing lid has many advantages. First of all, it is hygienic. Reliable sealing prevents contamination and keeps the top of the can clean, preventing bacterial growth and spoilage. Even after the sealing lid is removed, the can top remains safe and free from any contamination.