The aluminium industry and its unique approaches to commemorate those special occasions have always grabbed the utmost attention. Especially in the aluminium cans sector, which recently showcased many special edition launches featuring unique technologies. These vessels, once mere containers, have evolved into canvases of technological marvels that captivate attention and redefine the boundaries of innovation.
Picture this: beverage cans showing photo-realistic images printed on them? Or a technology that can change the colour of the aluminium cans with the changing temperature? The aluminium cans sector has not merely embraced change; it has become a gallery of surprises. Imagine the delight as the temperature-sensitive nature of these cans causes them to change hues in sync with the body's warmth, introducing an element of wonder that elevates the drinking ritual.
The aluminium industry and its unique approaches to commemorating those special occasions have always grabbed the utmost attention, especially in the aluminium cans sector, which recently showcased many special edition launches featuring unique technologies.
As the saying goes, technology is the catalyst for innovation, and in the aluminium industry, it acts as the guiding force for transformative shifts. The sector is currently navigating a landscape marked by revolutionary advancements, where cutting-edge tools and inventive solutions propel productivity, champion sustainability, and unlock unprecedented design and application possibilities.
In collaboration with Ball Corporation, Fanta introduced an intriguing mystery-flavoured beverage in aluminium cans, accompanied by a unique 5D sipping experience designed to elevate the Halloween ambience. The cutting-edge can technology enhances the flavour profile, intensifying as the can cools. Additionally, the label undergoes a captivating colour transformation, turning to a vibrant pink.
The innovative Thermochromic aluminium cans project undertaken by The Coca-Cola Company for Fanta in Latin America in 2023 was a remarkable twist to their Halloween holiday promotion. The primary objective of this initiative was to inject excitement and vitality into the core Fanta brand, offering consumers an enticing mystery flavour coupled with a cutting-edge 5D sipping experience. The newly introduced Fanta variant is aptly named Mistério.
A pivotal element in this groundbreaking project was incorporating CTI's Thermochromic ink technology. This innovative ink technology created a captivating metamorphosis in the aluminium cans and PET bottle labels. The graphics on these packaging materials underwent a mesmerizing colour transformation, turning a vibrant pink when chilled. This dynamic alteration created two distinct visual states – one at room temperature and another when the beverage reached a cold, refreshing state. The introduction of CTI's thermochromic ink technology wasn't merely about aesthetics; it was a strategic move to engage and delight consumers actively.
Cerveja Cacildis, from Grupo Petrópolis, celebrated its tenth anniversary with a festival honouring its musical roots. The cans, named Cacildis Instrumentos Musicais, were crafted by producer Conteúdo Urbano, transforming ordinary aluminium cans into high-quality musical instruments like the reco-reco, tantan, tambourine, rattle, and afoxé. Externally, the team has successfully replicated the sound of traditional instruments by utilizing metals, ABS plastic, beads, nylon, and various accessories.
They have ensured that the quality matches that of conventional instruments. This project highlights the innovative and inventive spirit of the Cacildis brand, emphasizing the crucial role of aluminium in the entire process. The strategic incorporation of this material in crafting instrumental cans preserves the unique sound profile of aluminium, offering customers an authentic and realistic musical experience.
Cacildis showcased a unique samba titled "Um toast à life," created by singer Mumuzinho and developed by the VMLY&R agency as part of the Cacildis - 10 Anos que Deram Samba campaign. The brand amazed audiences by featuring specially designed aluminium cans turned into musical instruments.
In a stunning revelation, Big Shock!, a prominent energy drink brand hailing from the Czech Republic, has unveiled a striking limited edition aluminium can to mark the highly anticipated global premiere of 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,' the latest instalment in The Hunger Games film adaptation series. Leveraging cutting-edge print technology from Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP), these cans showcase intricate bird and snake visuals in a captivating palette of yellows, golds, and oranges.
The premium print technology from AMP ensures high-level design contrast with a resolution of up to 40 lines per cm / 102 lines per inch possible. Their Laser-engraved plate technology ensures a more realistic depiction of the images engraved on the aluminium cans. Thanks to AMP's advanced print capabilities, the surface of these cans transforms into a canvas of photo-realistic imagery, bringing to life the essence of the Hunger Games universe. The vivid depiction on the aluminium canvases captures the nature of the storyline, immersing fans in a visually stunning experience that perfectly complements the anticipation surrounding the cinematic release.
Transport yourself into the heart of NFL excitement with the triumphant return of the Indianapolis Colts Bud Light cans, injecting energy into this season's gridiron action. These specially crafted aluminium cans are not just beverages; they're vibrant canvases adorned with personalized NFL team logos and player portraits, creating a visual spectacle that captures the essence of the game.
Featuring a bold and electrifying blue hue, these cans showcase the prowess of the Colts, one of the 23 spectacular teams vying for glory in the 2023 NFL league. Bud Light, a stalwart sponsor of the NFL since 2019, has once again elevated the fan experience with this limited edition collection.
But there's more than meets the eye – these collector's items go beyond memorabilia. Each can featured a QR code, a digital gateway to a world of exclusive opportunities. Users had to scan the code and unlock a treasure trove of redeemable offers, from the coveted NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube and YouTube TV to e-gift cards for top-tier NFL merchandise from Fanatics, a premier sports apparel conduit.
Pitú, a venerable beverage company deeply rooted in Pernambuco, Brazil, unveiled an exclusive limited edition collection of Pitú cachaça in aluminium cans to mark the 2023 carnival. These distinctive aluminium cans are set to hit the shelves nationwide on February 8th, with a total production of 5 million units, each containing 350 ml.
Inspired by the lively rhythms of the iconic song "Abre Alas," the design encapsulates the carnival's rich tapestry of diversity and inclusivity. The graphics intricately weave together elements that symbolize pulsating music, vibrant dance, scorching heat, and a kaleidoscope of colours that characterize celebrations across the country.
Choosing aluminium as the packaging material underscores Pitú's commitment to sustainability. Compared to conventional options like glass or plastic bottles, aluminium boasts a superior recycling rate and incorporates more recycled content. Its inherent durability, stackability, and lightweight nature empower marketers to efficiently package and transport a larger volume of beverages while minimizing environmental impact. This forward-thinking approach aligns with Pitú's dedication to delivering quality products in an environmentally responsible manner, making the limited edition collection a celebration of carnival and conscious packaging choices.
AkzoNobel, a leading player in the beverage can industry, launched a new generation coating technology called the Accelstyle™. This new coating technology was featured in AkzoNobel's inaugural release, Accelshield™ 700, marking a pivotal moment in the industry's commitment to eliminating substances of concern.
The inaugural release, Accelshield™ 700, boasts the distinction of being the first BPx-NI* internal coating for beverage can ends. This breakthrough is free from deliberately added bisphenols, styrene, or PFAS, meeting the stringent standards of the FDA and the European Union. These coatings are designed to complement two-piece aluminium beverage cans, reflecting AkzoNobel's forward-thinking approach to material innovation.
To further bolster this transformative journey, AkzoNobel is investing €32 million in establishing a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Vilafranca, Spain. This facility, slated to commence operations in mid-2025, will focus on producing coatings devoid of bisphenol, catering specifically to the metal packaging sector in the EMEA region. Notably, the facility is designed with advanced automation techniques and adheres to rigorous eco-efficiency standards, showcasing AkzoNobel's commitment to minimizing its environmental footprint.
The Budweiser Brewing Company APAC (Bud APAC) recently showcased its commitment to sustainable practices by launching its special edition lightest aluminium beer cans during a circular packaging seminar at the Putian Brewery in Fujian Province, China. This move aligns with Bud APAC's circular packaging strategy, which emphasizes the "reduce-reuse-recycle-recover" philosophy, contributing to the transition towards a low-carbon economy.
The event introduced an innovative, exceptionally lightweight aluminium beer can in China. The 330ml can weigh only 9.57g, marking a significant 4% reduction in weight compared to the prevailing industry norm. This reduction contributes to Bud APAC's overall sustainability goals.
The carbon footprint per can has been substantially reduced to an average of 185g, surpassing the baseline set 2017 by over 100g. Bud APAC's aluminium packaging has played a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions, cutting more than 40,000 tonnes compared to the 2017 baseline. Carbon emissions per can have decreased by more than 30%, showcasing the environmental impact of the company's initiatives.
Bud APAC is actively addressing challenges associated with recycling same-grade aluminium cans. The company is implementing a closed-loop approach called Can-to-Can recycling, specifically designed for used beverage cans (UBC). This initiative utilizes technological advancements and collaborative efforts with industry partners to enhance the recyclability of their aluminium cans.
Pepsi recently launched its special edition Mini aluminium cans as the perfect companion for snack and dinner occasions. In a nostalgic nod to the '90s, Pepsi kept the festivities alive for its 125th anniversary by reuniting with the iconic Shaquille O'Neal. Famous for his entertaining Pepsi ads from the past, Shaq takes centre stage in a new campaign highlighting Pepsi's newly launched Mini aluminium cans.
The latest commercial, aptly titled "I Wish," cleverly showcases Shaq's yearning to be "a little bit smaller," humorously addressing the challenges of his larger-than-life stature and celebrating the versatility of Pepsi Mini Cans.
The advertisement unfolds with Shaq navigating various scenarios where a one-size-fits-all solution falls short. From the discomfort of airplane seats to the comical struggles of fitting into a bed without his feet spilling over, the ad balances emotion and humour. Adding to the entertainment, Skee-Lo contributes by playfully revising the lyrics of his 1995 hip-hop hit, "I Wish I Was A Little Bit Taller," amplifying the light-hearted vibe of the commercial.
Corona recently unwrapped a dazzling holiday surprise in a festive flourish by unveiling their Feliz Navi-Drip collection in colour-changing aluminium cans. The external surfaces of aluminium were equipped with thermochromic ink technology, enabling a shift in colour in response to temperature variations. As the temperature decreased or approached depletion, a captivating transformation reminiscent of the iconic beach bungalow featured in the well-known Corona holiday advertisement became evident.
These exclusive, colour-transforming aluminium cans are not merely a beverage but a visual spectacle. Adorned in holiday hues, the cans are set to mesmerize the lucky Philadelphia, Miami, New York, and Los Angeles residents. The limited-edition 12-packs are a treasure trove for those seeking a festive flavour to their celebrations.
Breaking the traditional mold, the renowned Mexican beverage company infused creativity into the Christmas spirit, presenting a limited-edition colour-changing extravaganza in aluminium cans for their iconic Corona Extra. The Feliz Navi-Drip ensemble is not just a sip but a style statement, as Corona collaborates with celebrity fashion designer Talia Coles for their "La Vida Más Fina" promotion. Corona extends an artistic invitation to a designer for the first time in its history, unleashing Talia's imagination to reimagine the classic Corona Extra can.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Monster and CANPACK have joined forces once again, unveiling their latest triumph in the energy drink sector - the Lewis Hamilton Zero Sugar edition energy drink in limited aluminium cans. Building on the triumph of their flagship Lewis Hamilton signature energy beverage, Monster's alliance with the seven-time Formula One World Champion has proven to be a winning formula.
The aluminium can became a canvas, displaying not only Lewis Hamilton’s name but also his signature and the iconic jersey number 44. This visually stunning and limited-edition offering is set to captivate consumers with a taste of innovation, athleticism, and artistic expression, all in one can. In this special edition collaboration, the digital artist has skillfully incorporated original designs, including Hamilton's distinctive racing helmet.
Monster Energy's choice of CANPACK for crafting this groundbreaking beverage in designer aluminium cans underscores their commitment to innovation. Typically, Monster products make their debut in the US before reaching European markets, but this time, the spotlight is on the UK beverage market as a tribute to the iconic British driver, Lewis Hamilton.
Conclusion
The metamorphosis underway in the aluminium industry is not just a technical evolution; it's a canvas for creativity. The synergy of technology and special occasions transcends mere functionality, imprinting moments with indelible memories. Whether it's the unveiling of limited-edition cans with futuristic features or the fusion of technological marvels with celebratory occasions, the industry is weaving a tapestry where every sip is an experience, every can is a celebration, and every innovation leaves an everlasting imprint on the collective consciousness.
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