Helio, formed under the collaboration between Orora Beverages and industrial rigid container specialists Velox-digital, is a cutting-edge direct-to-shape digital printing solution for designing or decorating aluminium cans. Helio named after the Greek God of the Sun, expands Orora's existing high-speed offset decorating technique, offering clients a faster turnaround from concept to delivery, more operational flexibility, and infinite design colours, textures, and finishes. Orora clients will experience reduced wait times and improved flexibility, according to Chris Smith, General Manager of Orora Beverage Cans.

"Cans are a terrific sustainable packaging option, convenient for many occasions and most importantly, produced from aluminium containing recycled content, with the can itself being infinitely recyclable. We know that can graphic design and decoration is a critical tool for engaging consumers – with strong in-house can decoration capability, the Helio solution enabled by high-speed, direct-to-shape digital printing, adds even greater value to Orora's service offering for its customers," said Smith.

The new technology is projected to be operational by the end of September, uniquely positioning Orora to meet the high growth forecast in the aluminium can industry, driven by the growing popularity of RTDs, seltzers, soft drinks, and craft beer.

"We have been assessing the development of direct-to-shape digital decoration technology for cans for some time – we're thrilled about our new technology choice and the introduction of Helio enabled by new high-speed digital decoration capability. What this means for our customers is that wait time will be significantly reduced in delivering a specific can size or label design for activities such as promotions, new products and limited-edition retail events. With no label set-up required and near-immediate supply, shorter, faster minimum runs can be accommodated, providing greater flexibility in product and campaign planning," added Chris Smith, General Manager of Orora Beverage Cans.

Construction of Orora's new $80 million multi-size can line at Dandenong was finished in June 2023, boosting production capacity by 10 per cent, while a $30 million project to enhance ability at Ballarat was completed in March 2023. A new $85 million can line is being built in Revesby, NSW, and will be operational by early 2025.