Ball Corporation is piloting a new aluminium cup in the US as it responds to demands for more sustainable beverage packaging options.
The US company developed the cup over the past several years as an alternative to plastic cups for use at home and in other areas where plastic cups are common.
As of September 2019, Ball will roll out a number of pilots with major venues across the US to replace their plastic cups with aluminium alternatives. The pilot will produce a limited supply of aluminium cups through 2020.
“As our customers and consumers increasingly seek sustainable beverage packaging options, the launch of the aluminium cup is a significant moment for our company,” said John Hayes, Ball CEO.
“It is our responsibility as the leader in aluminium beverage packaging to continuously innovate and provide solutions for our customers. We’re excited to bring the aluminium cup to market and expand the product line next year and beyond.”
The cup is currently available in a 20oz size and there are plans in place to introduce additional sizes in the future based on market demand.
Ball expects to ramp up production in its Westminster, Colorado, innovation facility by the end of 2020, and is aiming to expand adoption of the cups to restaurants, bars, convenience stores, breweries and retail locations.
Research by Ball suggests that 67% of US consumers say they will visit a venue more often if they use aluminium cups instead of plastic cups and that 78% of consumers expect beverage brands to use environmentally friendly containers in the next five years.
In addition to its sustainability and recycling strengths, the new aluminium cup is said to be sturdy, durable and cool to the touch, and it can be customised with logos and graphics.
In April, Colorado-headquartered Ball secured deals allowing it to move to 100% renewable electricity in its North American operations by 2021.
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