Work starts on UK’s largest aluminium packaging site
22 Mar 2022
Global packaging leader, the US Ball Corporation, has begun work on what will be the largest aluminium packaging site in the UK.
Its new can-making factory at the SEGRO Park Kettering Gateway in Northamptonshire. will be the largest-ever beverage packaging plant constructed in the country.
When completed in January 2023, it will occupy 56,000 square metres, with space for further expansion. Ball says the plan is to produce more than one billion recyclable cans and generate 200 local jobs.
The project reflects growing pressure on the food and drink process sector from Government and consumers for better recycling and more sustainable packaging.
Carey Causey, president of Ball Beverage Packaging Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia (EMEA) said:
“As environmental awareness increases, consumers are insisting on more sustainable drinks packaging.
“This new facility, in one of the UK’s best-known manufacturing locations, will help us to support our customers’ growth, creating fully recyclable cans which can play a role in a truly circular economy and support the local community.”
In addition, current world economic conditions fuelled by two years of lockdown and knock-on effects of the Ukraine conflict, have hit global supply chains and increased demand for available metals.
Ball cited a recent poll showing almost 80 per cent of people were taking steps to reduce single-use plastic and two-thirds wanted to do more. Aluminium cans comprise the world’s most widely recycled beverage packaging: the UK recycling rate of 82 per cent even exceeds the European average of 76 per cent.
The sustainability emphasis is reflected in the project construction too, says the company. The Kettering plant will comply with Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) standards for excellence in sustainability and environmental standards.
It will also feature a rainwater harvesting system and to machinery exhaust emissions mitigation technology. Designers plan that the site will use 20 per cent less energy and 70 per cent less water than comparable traditional can-making processes.
Kettering facility will be Ball’s third can-making site in the UK, in addition to established plants in Milton Keynes and Wakefield.
Photo: Ball Beverage Packaging EMEA president Carey Causey with the site’s new plant manager Jason Bridger
