Rexam partners Irish craft brewer on craft beer can designs

Can maker Rexam has partnered with Irish craft brewer Metalman to launch the brand’s first ever range of canned beers.

The change of packaging format marks a move from traditional draught to single-serve in can for the Waterford-based beer maker. The colourful and unique cans were created for the brand’s Pale Ale, Equinox and Heat Sink beers. The stylish designs, heavily influenced by the brand’s passion for the art deco movement, utilise the aluminium material of the can to neatly incorporate the Metalman logo, Rexam said.

The 330ml cans are available to consumers throughout Ireland in specialist craft beer, on-trade and off-trade retailers, with limited distribution throughout the UK and Italy.

Metalman managing director Gráinne Walsh said: “We first met the Rexam team at Drinktec back in 2013 and were impressed with their approach to design and innovation. They visited our brewery shortly after and their proactive approach has continued. The support we received at every step of the design and manufacturing process was invaluable. It was amazing to see how the team were able to translate our concept into a stand-out can design that brings to life the heart and soul of our brand.”

Rogier Keukens, UK sales manager for Rexam, added: “There has been huge growth in the craft beer category and this is predicted to rise by 18% by 2018. A large number of these craft breweries are selecting the beverage can over other packaging formats. We are delighted to be working with Metalman and even more delighted that they will join the ever growing number of brands incorporating the ‘Metal Recycles Forever’ logo on their cans.”