Rexam switch to aluminium can line?

Rexam and Hindustan Tin Works Ltd, an Indian beverage can manufacturer, have announced that they are to invest Rs220cr (US$49m) in converting a steel line to aluminium near Mumbai. The new line, which is expected to come on stream in Q4 2012, will initially produce 33cl and 50cl cans and then slim cans, and will increase total capacity from 300 cpy to 850 cpy.

CRU View: Reusable glass bottles, PET and cartons are the dominant form of packaging in India but the metal can, particularly steel, has been gaining market share. However, recent investments have been in aluminium, indicating that aluminium will gain market share from tinplate and boost demand for aluminium can stock.

Source: CRU Aluminium team

Apeal to host summit

News: "Apeal’s Steel for Packaging Summit will take place in Kosice, Slovakia, on September 20th 2011.

Apeal (the Association of European Producers of Steel for Packaging) and US Steel Europe will co-host Steel for Packaging, Green solutions for Central Europe at the US Steel Europe plant in Kosice.

It will be the first Apeal Steel for Packaging summit specifically oriented to the needs of Central Europe.

Endorsed by the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic, it will be an opportunity for ministers, policy makers, supply chain customers and steel producers to come together to present strategies, exchange ideas and communicate their vision for the future for steel packaging in Central Europe.

During the summit, Apeal will release the latest LCA figures for steel packaging."