RUSAL strikes a deal with Budweiser Brewing Group to supply ultra-low carbon aluminium cans

Budweiser Brewing Group, the UK arm of AB InBev along with three other leading aluminium companies has come together to launch a can using the lowest carbon footprint for Budweiser Brewing Group, the UK arm of AB InBev. The three companies are RUSAL the largest producer of low carbon aluminium in the world, ELVAL one of the leading aluminium rolling company and CANPACK the global manufacturer of aluminium beverage cans.

The initiative will lead to the production of around 5 million cans with the lowest carbon content for Budweiser. The cans will be 440ml and will be produced using the latest inert anode aluminium technology. This technology works by using renewable electricity. The 440ml cans will come with the lowest ever carbon content for the AB InBev group in Europe and is expected to be sold throughout the UK retailers by autumn 2021.

The low-carbon can is the outcome of the partnership with sustainability-minded businesses who are working together to carry out the initiative in Europe. CANPACK UK will be producing the cans using 100% renewable electricity and made from aluminium coils which are made by ELVAL, the aluminium rolling division of ElvalHalcor. The metal was made by replacing the primary aluminium with the ultra-low carbon primary aluminium named ALLOW INERTA. The ALLOW INERTA is made by RUSAL using emission-free inert anode technology. The cans will be filled at the Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I breweries in Lancashire, Magor and South Wales using the 100% renewable electricity.

By partnering throughout the value chain, the cans can be traced back to their sources. Starting from the ALLOW INERTA, produced using the inert anode technology which is made using recycled aluminium. This new technique is a good way to achieve the lowest carbon footprint for the AB InBev Europe aluminium cans. The cans are highly recyclable and are the stepping stone of low-carbon sustainable packaging to the customers.

According to Steve Hodgson, the Director of Sales and Marketing at RUSAL, “The work is a result of a partnership that stretches across the entire value chain for the first time - from the mining of bauxite used to produce aluminium, right through to the consumer enjoying a cold Budweiser. RUSAL, Budweiser Brewing Group, CANPACK, and ELVAL together are shaping the future of low-carbon aluminium and sustainable packaging.”

According to Mauricio Coindreau, Sustainability Director at Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I, “Like our consumers, we care about climate change and want to make it as easy as possible for people to choose environmentally-friendly options in their day-to-day lives, whether it’s enjoying a beer brewed with 100% renewable electricity and locally sourced ingredients, or now in a low-carbon can. We’re excited about this pilot, made possible thanks to the collaboration with our partners and this amazing technological breakthrough, and we look forward to being able to roll it out even further.” 

Ioannis Koufopanos, Sustainability Director at ELVAL, said “We are excited to participate in this fascinating project. Focused on sustainability, innovation and collaboration, we contribute to the value chain of this challenging pilot. Supporting our partners for the delivery of this low carbon beer can demonstrates our strong commitment to sustainable growth towards carbon neutral and circular products.” 

According to John O'Maoileoin, Group Sustainability Director at CANPACK, “Although aluminium cans are one of the most sustainable packaging materials around thanks to the fact they can be recycled forever without any loss of quality, it’s been amazing to push their green credentials forward still further through real collaboration and to create a Budweiser can with a minimal carbon footprint.” 

Apart from their global sustainability goals, Budweiser Group UK&I is planning to brew UK’s most sustainable beers. Since January the Budweiser Group UK&I has brewed all the cans, bottles, and keg in the UK using the 100% renewable electricity from their wind turbine and the two solar farms. The company has also removed the plastic ring from their complete portfolio and has fulfilled the goal of brewing with 100% British gown barley. It has also helped in reducing carbon emissions and made local agriculture the champion.