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Crown lifts 2026 outlook on aluminium can demand

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:30:00 +0530

Crown Holdings delivered higher second-quarter earnings as growing demand for aluminium beverage cans drove stronger shipment volumes across its global operations, encouraging the packaging manufacturer to upgrade its earnings outlook for 2026.

The company reported diluted earnings per share of USD 2.23 for the quarter ended 30 June 2026, compared with USD 1.56 a year earlier. Adjusted diluted earnings per share rose 16 per cent to USD 2.49, while global beverage can volumes increased 5 per cent year on year.

Net sales climbed to USD 3.668 billion, up from USD 3.149 billion in the second quarter of 2025. The increase reflected higher beverage can shipments worldwide, the pass-through of USD 395 million in higher material costs and favourable foreign currency movements worth USD 32 million.

Operating income improved to USD 464 million from USD 391 million a year earlier, while segment income increased to USD 501 million, supported by higher can shipments and solid performances from the company's beverage can equipment and North American tinplate businesses.

Net income attributable to Crown reached USD 245 million, compared with USD 181 million in the corresponding period last year.

Explore: The most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report – ALuminium in Packaging: Consumer Trends and Market Dynamics

Aluminium cans continue to gain favour

Crown said demand for aluminium beverage cans remained strong across most major markets during the quarter.

Global can shipments grew 5 per cent, led by double-digit growth in Asia, alongside increases of 7 per cent in Europe and 5 per cent in North America. These gains more than offset weaker demand across Latin America.

"The Company is on pace for another exceptional year in 2026," said Timothy J. Donahue, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

"We expect that global beverage can demand will continue to thrive, as customers and consumers alike continue to increasingly prefer aluminum cans as the most sustainable and responsible beverage packaging option."

To support rising demand, Crown is progressing with previously announced capacity expansion projects in Brazil, Greece and Spain, while constructing a new manufacturing facility in northern India, marking the company's entry into one of the world's fastest-growing beverage markets.

Share buybacks and outlook improve

Crown repurchased USD 305 million of its shares during the second quarter and has bought back more than USD 500 million worth of stock during the first six months of 2026. Over the past 12 months, the company has repurchased nearly 7 per cent of its outstanding shares.

For the first six months of 2026, net sales increased to USD 6.927 billion from USD 6.036 billion a year earlier. Operating income rose to USD 829 million, while adjusted diluted earnings per share improved to USD 4.34 from USD 3.81.

Reflecting the stronger first-half performance, Crown raised its full-year 2026 adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance to between USD 8.30 and USD 8.50, compared with its previous forecast of USD 7.90 to USD 8.30.

The company also expects third-quarter adjusted diluted earnings per share to be in the range of USD 2.20 to USD 2.30 and forecasts adjusted free cash flow of at least USD 900 million this year, after capital expenditure of around USD 550 million.

For more in-depth insights and exclusive analysis on the global aluminium industry, explore the e-Magazine - Mine to Market: ALuminium Producers & Manufacturers 2026

Valkyrie enters aluminium keyboard market with Cyber68

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:30:00 +0530

Valkyrie has entered the aluminium gaming keyboard segment with the launch of the Cyber68, a new model that replaces the increasingly popular Hall Effect magnetic switches with analog optical switches while pairing them with a CNC-machined aluminium chassis.

The keyboard is scheduled to be showcased in greater detail at ChinaJoy 2026, where the company is expected to announce its remaining specifications.

Rather than following the current trend of magnetic switches, Valkyrie has opted for an optical sensing system built around a U-shaped reflective sensor. The company says the setup delivers Rapid Trigger accuracy of up to 0.01 mm, enabling the keyboard to register even the slightest key movement during fast-paced games.

Performance is another area Valkyrie is targeting. The Cyber68 supports a 16,000Hz polling rate, considerably higher than the 1,000Hz or 8,000Hz found on most gaming keyboards today, helping minimise the delay between a key press and its registration.

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Aluminium body paired with carbon fibre

The Cyber68 is built around a CNC-machined aluminium case, giving it greater rigidity and durability than plastic alternatives. Valkyrie has also incorporated carbon fibre into the design, adding structural strength while giving the keyboard a more premium appearance.

Users can also replace compatible switches without soldering thanks to hot-swappable support, allowing the keyboard to be customised or repaired without replacing the entire unit.

Although Valkyrie has revealed the keyboard's core hardware, several details remain under wraps. Information on the layout, RGB lighting, connectivity, software, pricing and release schedule will be announced during the company's ChinaJoy presentation.

The Cyber68 is Valkyrie's first aluminium keyboard and signals the company's move into the premium gaming peripheral market, where aluminium construction, faster input response and user customisation have become key selling points.

Discover expert perspectives and comprehensive coverage of the aluminium value chain in the e-Magazine - Mine to Market: ALuminium Producers & Manufacturers 2026

Mountain Dew celebrates 80yr brand heritage with limited-edition aluminium can

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:30:00 +0530

Mountain Dew has unveiled a limited-edition aluminium commemorative can bundle to mark nearly 80 years since the brand was created in Tennessee in 1948. Available exclusively through TikTok Shop, the release celebrates the beverage's heritage while continuing Mountain Dew's long-running use of special-edition aluminium packaging for promotional campaigns and milestone celebrations.

The commemorative aluminium can forms part of the brand's "American Original – Tasting Great Since '48" campaign, which highlights Mountain Dew's founding story through a heritage-inspired design printed directly on the can. The bundle is priced at USD 0.05, reflecting the campaign's nostalgic theme.

Limited release honours the brand's founding year

To commemorate the year of its launch, Mountain Dew is releasing 1,948 bundles over three days - June 29, June 30 and July 1. Daily quantities are being announced through the brand's Instagram Stories, with each customer limited to one bundle.

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Each bundle includes one commemorative aluminium can alongside a 10-pack of Mountain Dew mini cans, giving consumers both a collectible item and a retail product.

According to Michael Smith, Vice President of Marketing for Mountain Dew, PepsiCo Beverages U.S., the commemorative can pays tribute to the brand's history while celebrating its identity as an American original.

"Since 1948, Mountain Dew has been defined by bold spirit, unrelentless grit and ambitious energy – qualities that continue to drive the brand forward today. This commemorative can is about bringing that origin story to life, paying homage to our roots as an American Original and giving fans a meaningful way to celebrate Dew history."

Continues Mountain Dew's history of limited-edition aluminium packaging

The latest release builds on Mountain Dew's history of launching limited-edition aluminium cans and bottles for special campaigns. Previous initiatives have included the Green Label Art programme, featuring artist-designed aluminium packaging, as well as numerous promotional and anniversary-themed can designs introduced alongside seasonal and gaming campaigns.

The current campaign launched in April with four digital advertisements – Big Spender, Hoedown, Cold Ones and In the Mix – each revisiting the brand's origins in Tennessee while celebrating its signature citrus flavour and heritage. The commemorative aluminium can extends that campaign by placing Mountain Dew's history directly onto the packaging.

For more in-depth insights and exclusive analysis on the global aluminium industry, explore the e-Magazine - Mine to Market: ALuminium Producers & Manufacturers 2026

PV frame operating rate consolidates on a strong note; Aluminium prices expected to mainly consolidate and adjust in the short term

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 09:18:00 +0530

PV aluminium extrusion: This week, the operating rate of the surveyed industry sample of PV frame enterprises held up well. Leading extrusion manufacturers continued to run at full capacity, supported by ample long-term orders on hand, with the core driver being the advancement of centralised PV projects toward year-end.

In H2, the production schedule situation for downstream leading module enterprises is expected to be better than H1, but monthly incremental growth in PV frame demand will be steady M-o-M, limiting the extent of demand improvement. SMM also learned that PV frame processing fees have remained stable recently without notable changes.

On balance, the operating rate of PV frame enterprises will likely maintain a consolidating-to-firm pattern in the near term.

Raw material prices: During the period (July 13-July 16, 2026), the SMM A00 weekly average price was RMB 23,155 per tonne, up 0.9 per cent from the prior week. Overall, recurring Middle East tensions, lingering rate hike concerns, and continued supply recovery clashed with a destocking trend that is hard to reverse in the short term.

Amid this tug-of-war between longs and shorts, aluminium prices are expected to consolidate in the near term. The most-traded SHFE aluminium contract is expected to trade in a range of RMB 22,500-23,500 per tonne next week, while LME aluminium is expected to trade at USD 3,050-3,250 per tonne.

Looking ahead, close attention should be paid to Middle East production resumption progress and geopolitical conflict trajectory, LME aluminium ingot inventory changes, and China’s downstream processing orders and aluminium semis export data.

Note: This article has been issued by SMM and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.

Laser Power & Infra bags $436,100 HTLS conductor order for Himachal project

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 07:30:00 +0530

Laser Power & Infra Limited announced its first commercial order of advanced transmission conductors from Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL). The order, amounting to USD 436,100, is for a turnkey reconductoring project in the Nalagarh Electrical Division of Himachal Pradesh to improve the reliability of the state’s power supply.

The project will utilize Aluminium Encapsulated Carbon Core Conductors (AECC) manufactured by Laser Power & Infra under a licensing agreement signed with TS Conductor Corp., USA, in March 2025.

This project will replace traditional conductors with High Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) conductors, enabling increased transmission capacity without the need for new transmission towers or additional right of way. The company noted that this solution is an affordable way to strengthen existing transmission infrastructure.

The order will also be the first commercial application of TS Conductor’s proprietary AECC technology in India, with the conductors produced domestically by Laser Power & Infra.

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Commenting on the development, Deepak Goel, Chairman and Managing Director of Laser Power & Infra, said the order validates the company's strategy of bringing globally proven advanced conductor technologies to India's power sector.

He added that AECC technology can help increase transmission capacity and improve grid efficiency without expanding existing transmission corridors. The company said it has already prequalified and submitted bids for 18 transmission EPC projects of 66 kV and above involving similar reconductoring technologies.

Established in 1988, Laser Power & Infra is an integrated manufacturer of power cables and conductors with EPC capabilities. The company operates three manufacturing facilities in West Bengal with a combined production capacity of 85,448 metric tonnes.

As of March 31, 2026, it had installed more than 85,191 circuit kilometres of high- and low-tension distribution lines and commissioned over 113 substations across multiple Indian states.

Discover expert perspectives and comprehensive coverage of the aluminium value chain in the e-Magazine - Mine to Market: ALuminium Producers & Manufacturers 2026

Shyam Metalics begins commercial production at Odisha aluminium foil facility

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:05:00 +0530

SMEL Steel Structural Pvt. Ltd., a step-down subsidiary of Shyam Metalics and Energy Ltd., has commenced commercial production at its aluminium foil facility in Sambalpur, Odisha.

The facility has an installed production capacity of 18,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) and is designed to manufacture premium-grade aluminium foil in thicknesses ranging from 6 to 40 microns.

The company is investing around INR 800 crore (USD 8.30 million) in its downstream aluminium operations at Sambalpur as it expands its value-added product portfolio.

Shyam Metalics also confirmed that its aluminium flat rolled products (FRP) facility remains on track for commercial production by September 2026. The plant will have an annual capacity of 60,000 TPA and will produce flat rolled products in thicknesses ranging from 0.3 mm to 4.0 mm.

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According to the company, the aluminium foil and FRP facilities are expected to improve operating margins by around 40-50 per cent through a better product mix and higher product realisations. The downstream aluminium business is also projected to support two to 2.5 times revenue growth by expanding its presence in domestic and international markets.

Commenting on the development, Brij Bhushan Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director of Shyam Metalics and Energy Ltd., said the commencement of commercial foil production marks an important milestone in the company's downstream aluminium expansion. He added that the facility is expected to supply specialised aluminium products to high-growth sectors while supporting employment and economic development in Odisha. He also said the company is looking forward to launching its aluminium flat rolled products line by the end of September.

Headquartered in Kolkata, Shyam Metalics is an integrated metal producer with operations across West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh. Its business spans steel, ferro alloys, aluminium and stainless steel products. The company has an aggregate installed metal production capacity of 16.78 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and is supported by 467 MW of captive power generation capacity.

For more in-depth insights and exclusive analysis on the global aluminium industry, explore the e-Magazine - Mine to Market: ALuminium Producers & Manufacturers 2026

PA Resources secures $321.22M aluminium extrusion contract extension from First Solar

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 02:00:00 +0530

PA Resources Bhd has renewed its supply agreement with First Solar Inc, First Solar Malaysia Sdn Bhd and First Solar Vietnam Manufacturing Co Ltd to supply aluminium extrusion profiles used in the production of photovoltaic modules.

The new contract is valued at RM1.31 billion (USD 321.22 million) and covers an 18-month period from July 2026 to December 2027. According to the company, it is the fifth supply agreement awarded by First Solar.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, PA Resources said the contract is expected to improve operational efficiency through better production scheduling, material planning, workforce utilisation and logistics coordination. The company also expects the agreement to contribute positively to its earnings and net assets.

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Group Managing Director Tan Sri Lau Kuan Kam described the agreement as the largest contract in the company's history, adding that securing the deal amid geopolitical uncertainty and a challenging global economy reflects First Solar's continued confidence in the company's products and manufacturing capabilities.

Lau said construction of PA Resources' new manufacturing facility is progressing and is expected to more than double the group's monthly aluminium extrusion capacity from 3,500 tonnes to 8,500 tonnes once it becomes operational next year.

He also said the company is working with a foreign strategic partner through its subsidiary PA Project Marketing Sdn Bhd to enter the system window and door market, offering products with enhanced soundproofing and thermal insulation. According to Lau, the move is intended to diversify the group's revenue base and expand its product portfolio as demand grows for energy-efficient building solutions.

The stock closed 12.12 per cent higher at 18.5 sen on Tuesday, giving the company a market capitalisation of RM278 million (USD 68.17 million).

Participate in our upcoming e-Magazine - Mine to Market: ALuminium Producers & Manufacturers 2026

Aluminium foil under roofs shown to reduce summer heat gain in buildings

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 19:00:00 +0530

Aluminium foil is gaining attention as a potential passive cooling solution after research found that a reflective layer installed beneath roofs can significantly reduce the amount of heat entering buildings during summer.

As temperatures rise, roofs absorb large amounts of solar radiation, increasing indoor temperatures and placing greater demand on air conditioning systems. Researchers have found that installing a thin reflective aluminium layer beneath the roof can help reflect a substantial portion of this radiant heat before it reaches living spaces.

A study by Stefano Fantucci and Valentina Serra, published in the journal Energy and Buildings in 2019, found that aluminium foil used as a radiant barrier reduced summer heat gain by 10 per cent to 53 per cent, depending on the material's reflectivity and the installation method.

The researchers explained that aluminium foil functions as a radiant barrier by reflecting solar radiation rather than absorbing it, reducing the amount of heat transferred through the roof into the building.

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The study also highlighted that installation plays a key role in performance. The reflective surface should face an open air gap, as placing the foil directly against another material reduces its ability to reflect heat effectively. The researchers noted that the 53 per cent reduction was achieved under optimal test conditions and may vary depending on roof design and installation quality.

The findings suggest that reducing heat entering a building can lessen the workload on air conditioning systems, potentially lowering cooling costs.

Supporting this, separate tests conducted by the Florida Solar Energy Center found that roof-mounted radiant barriers reduced ceiling heat flow by 30 per cent to 50 per cent and lowered annual cooling electricity consumption by around 7 per cent to 12 per cent in the homes studied.

Although the research focused on pitched roofs, the findings add to growing evidence that passive cooling solutions, including reflective aluminium barriers, can improve indoor comfort and reduce energy use during hot weather.

Participate in our upcoming e-Magazine - Mine to Market: ALuminium Producers & Manufacturers 2026

Toyota urges Japanese automakers to join forces as Chinese EVs gain ground globally

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:30:00 +0530

Toyota Vice Chairman Koji Sato is calling for Japanese automakers to work together on common standards for selected vehicle parts as Chinese brands continue to gain ground in key global markets.

The proposal would standardise components such as steel, wiring harnesses and plastics across Japan's major carmakers. By reducing the number of component variations, automakers could lower costs, improve efficiency and put more resources into areas that increasingly influence car buyers.

The push comes at a difficult time for Japan's auto industry, with Chinese manufacturers steadily taking market share from established Japanese brands in Europe, China, Southeast Asia and Australia.

“Unless things change, we will not survive,” Sato said during Toyota’s annual supplier meeting in March, as Automotive News reported.

Sato did not directly name Chinese automakers. Instead, he described the broader aim as strengthening Japanese carmakers' “international competitiveness.”

Chinese brands overtake Japanese automakers in Europe

The scale of the challenge became clearer in May, when Chinese brands outsold Japanese automakers in Europe for the first time.

According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association, Geely Group, SAIC Motor, BYD, Chery Automobile and Leapmotor together sold 138,140 vehicles in Europe that month. Combined sales from Toyota, Suzuki, Honda, Nissan, Mazda and Mitsubishi stood at 130,424 units.

The pressure is even sharper in China. Japanese automakers have been slower to embrace the electric vehicle transition, while young Chinese EV companies have grown rapidly with software-defined cars, ultra-fast charging and advanced battery technology.

Toyota's China sales fell 17 per cent in the first half of this year, while Honda's sales declined 35 per cent.

Southeast Asia and Australia are also seeing a similar shift as affordable Chinese EVs take market share from established brands.

With these pressures building across several regions, Sato is taking the proposal to the wider Japanese auto industry through the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, which he leads.

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Toyota proposes a new 'Japan standard' for parts

Sato wants major Japanese automakers to use common standards for components that customers rarely see. The idea is to create a new “Japan standard” that suppliers worldwide could manufacture to.

Standardising these parts could allow automakers to redirect money towards areas that matter more to newer buyers, including software features, driver assistance systems, faster-charging batteries and a broader range of powertrains.

Wiring harnesses are one example of the complexity Sato wants to reduce. Suppliers currently produce 70,000 different variants of wiring harnesses alone. Cutting that number could help lower manufacturing costs.

Putting the plan into practice, however, would be a major challenge. Japan's automakers operate numerous brands, models, variants and production lines, and getting the industry to agree on shared components could prove difficult. It also remains uncertain whether standardisation on such a scale is feasible.

Still, Japanese automakers are facing growing pressure as Chinese EV brands expand across their traditional markets. If Sato can bring competing Japanese carmakers behind the plan, the initiative could give the industry a chance to strengthen its position.

“We have a strong sense of crisis that the Japanese auto industry is in a massive period of transition,” Sato told Automotive News. “Now is exactly the time to further develop and evolve with the challenges and reform initiatives that the auto industry as a whole must face.”

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Aluminium coffee capsule market eyes 8.1% CAGR through 2033 - Read how aluminium shapes shelf life, performance and recycling

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:40:00 +0530

Global aluminium coffee capsule consumption reached approximately 23–25 billion units in 2025, putting a small, one-gram package at the centre of a rapidly growing coffee market. Rising coffee consumption, particularly in urban areas, is driving demand as consumers increasingly look for coffee that is quick to prepare without compromising on quality.

The market numbers reflect this shift. The aluminum coffee capsule with recycle scheme market was valued at USD 2.48 billion in 2025 and is projected to increase to USD 2.68 billion in 2026 and around USD 4.5 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 8.1 per cent during 2026-2033. According to various industry sources, North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America and MEA led the global market in 2025.

If we look at regional consumption, Europe accounted for 40 per cent of global aluminium coffee capsule consumption, while North America held a 32 per cent share. The rest of the world collectively represented the remaining 28 per cent.

Behind these billions of capsules, however, is a simple challenge: how to keep a few grams of ground coffee fresh from the production line to the consumer's coffee machine. This is where aluminium has become central to the capsule market.

Why aluminium became the material of choice

Once coffee is roasted and ground, exposure to light, oxygen and moisture can affect its freshness, flavour and aroma. Unlike plastic, aluminium provides an absolute barrier against all three. This barrier property is the main reason major producers selected aluminium for coffee capsules decades ago and have continued using it.

Nespresso, which manufactures approximately 14 billion capsules a year, is among the major producers using aluminium. The material's barrier performance directly translates into a longer sealed shelf life. Aluminium coffee capsules typically offer a shelf life of 9-12 months, compared with 3-6 months for standard plastic capsules.

For further insights into aluminium packaging trends and market dynamics, explore our report, Aluminium in Packaging: Consumer Trends and Market Dynamics.

For coffee roasters and private-label brands selling through retail outlets, this difference is significant, particularly when the time a product may remain on a store shelf is uncertain.

But protecting the coffee before brewing is only one part of the capsule's job. During espresso preparation, capsules are generally exposed to temperatures of 90-95°C and pressures of 9-19 bar. Aluminium can withstand these brewing conditions without distortion or imparting bitterness or other off-flavours to the drink.

The material advantage is clear, but achieving this performance depends on how the capsule itself is designed and manufactured.

A 1.0–1.2 gram capsule built around precise specifications

Aluminium coffee capsules are typically manufactured using 8011-O or 8079-O aluminium alloys. The foil used for the capsule body generally has a thickness of 0.07-0.12 mm, or 70-120 μm, while an empty capsule weighs approximately 1.0-1.2 grams. Find aluminium foil for various applications across global markets here.

Inside this lightweight package, each capsule holds around 5.5-7 grams of coffee, depending on the format. Keeping that coffee fresh also requires control over the atmosphere inside the capsule.

During nitrogen flushing, residual oxygen is maintained below 2 per cent, with a target of less than 1 per cent. The process helps preserve the freshness and quality of the coffee before the capsule is opened and brewed.

These specifications then have to be maintained at commercial production speeds. Depending on the machine model, aluminium coffee capsule production lines can operate at between 50 and 300 capsules per minute.

Yet, the same aluminium grade is not necessarily suitable for every capsule or container design. As shapes become more complex, alloy selection begins to matter.

8011 or 3003: How capsule design changes the alloy requirement

For most Nespresso capsule and holder formats, 8011 alloy is the expected norm across the industry for aluminium capsule applications. With iron and silicon additions, the alloy provides the high plasticity and corrosion resistance required at a purity of 99 per cent.

The 8011-O aluminium alloy typically has a tensile strength of 100-130 MPa and an elongation of at least 12 per cent. These properties make it suitable for standard aluminium coffee capsule cups and lid foils.

Thickness also varies according to the part of the capsule. The 8011-O aluminium used for the capsule body typically ranges from 0.07 to 0.12 mm, while lid foil generally has a thickness of 0.03–0.04 mm.

The material requirement changes when a capsule or container has a more complex shape, requires multi-cavity forming or needs to withstand higher mechanical loads during transportation. In these applications, 3003 alloy with manganese additions may be required to provide higher tensile strength and greater mechanical performance.

3003-O aluminium contains around 1.0–1.5 per cent manganese as its primary alloying element. It offers a tensile strength of 110–150 MPa and an elongation of at least 15 per cent. The alloy is generally suited to complex shapes and deep-drawn trays, with a typical thickness of 0.10–0.15 mm.

The difference between the two alloys shows how a seemingly simple coffee capsule is closely linked to material properties, forming requirements and the final shape of the product.

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Coffee capsule production varies across manufacturers

Coffee capsule production differs significantly across companies. Nespresso produces approximately 14 billion capsules annually, illustrating the scale that the single-serve coffee market has reached.

Other manufacturers operate at different levels of the market. AIKOU Packaging has a production capacity of up to 1.1 billion capsules per year, while Kaffa Cafés produces around 310 million capsules annually. Cravium Gourmet records an annual production volume of approximately 35 million capsules.

However, as capsule consumption rises into the tens of billions of units, another question is becoming harder to separate from the market's growth: what happens to the aluminium after the coffee is consumed?

The capsule journey continues after brewing

Aluminium’s role in coffee capsules continues even after the coffee is brewed. As the metal can be repeatedly recycled and remelted without losing its properties, the collection and recovery of used capsules have become an important part of the aluminium coffee capsule value chain. The global capsule recovery rate stood at 35 per cent in 2024.

To expand capsule recovery, Nespresso has introduced collection programmes across 71 countries and outlined plans to increase the recovery rate to 60 per cent by 2030. Over the past 15 years, more than 100 eddy current separators have also been installed at public sorting stations to support the sorting and recovery of used capsules.

In Switzerland, Nespresso collaborates with the BAREC Group to collect used capsules from 3,700 collection points across the country. The partnership enables aluminium coffee capsules to be processed on an industrial scale, with their different components separated for further use.

Once the capsules are collected, the aluminium is extracted and sent for remelting. The remaining coffee grounds are mixed with organic matter and converted into biogas and fertiliser. In this way, both the aluminium and the coffee grounds move into separate recovery streams after the capsule has served its primary purpose.

Explore the position of aluminium at the intersection of sustainability and strategy in Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium's Dual Commitment