Orora Beverages launches direct-to-can digital print solution

Orora Beverages have partnered with industrial rigid container experts Velox-digital to deliver a state-of-the-art, direct-to-shape digital printing solutions for can design and decoration.

Named for the Greek God of the Sun, Helio by Orora is an extension of Orora’s current high-speed offset decoration process, allowing customers a quicker turnaround from design to delivery, greater operational flexibility and unlimited colours, textures and finishes in design.

Chris Smith, General Manager of Orora Beverage Cans, said the main benefits Orora customers will notice are shorter waiting times and increased flexibility.

“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,” he said.

The new technology is expected to be up and running by the end of September, uniquely positioning Orora to meet the strong outlook for growth in the aluminium can market fuelled by the increasing popularity of RTDs, seltzers, soft drinks and craft beer.

“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.

A business in boom, in June 2023, construction of Orora’s new $80 million multi-size can line at Dandenong was completed, increasing production capacity by 10 per cent and a $30 million project to expand capacity at Ballarat was completed in March 2023. A new $85 million can line in Revesby, NSW, is underway and expected to come online by early 2025.

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