Direct-to-can printing tech launches at Orora

Orora has launched a new type of production at its Dandenong facility using digital printing technology for beverage cans.

Developed and implemented at Orora’s Dandenong plant, the new high-speed digital print solution, Helio, uses direct-to-can digital print technology to deliver vibrant, high-quality decoration with shorter turnaround times and smaller order quantities — suitable for limited editions, promotions or new product launches.

Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks joined Orora executives to celebrate Helio in action.

“Victoria is leading the way in advanced manufacturing, and Orora’s Helio technology is a great example of how local innovation is transforming global industries,” Brooks said. “This investment is not only delivering cutting-edge packaging solutions but also supporting skilled jobs and strengthening our state’s manufacturing capability.”

The print technology provides new creative opportunities for beverage brands, with applications already being developed across soft drinks, craft beer, RTDs, sparkling water and kombucha.

Headquartered in Melbourne, Orora manufactures cans for beverage brands including Coca-Cola, Great Northern Beer, V Energy and Remedy. This new investment builds on Orora’s recent $80 million new multi-size aluminium can line expansion at its Dandenong site.

The new line boosts capacity to meet growing demand for can sizes from 200 ml to 500 ml. Orora has also increased capacity and warehousing for its production at its Ballarat can ends facility.

“As a leading can manufacturer, our role has always been to support our customers and their brands in meeting the needs and interests of their consumers,” said Orora Cans Executive General Manager Chris Smith. “Helio allows us to take this even further as primary packaging plays an important part of the marketing mix, with compelling decoration influencing the product purchase decision.”

The environmentally sustainable aluminium can manufacturer produces its beverage cans in a high-speed integrated manufacturing process, where aluminium coil made from recycled content is mechanically drawn and shaped. The recyclable cans are then decorated, palletised and shipped to customer plants for filling.

“We’re excited to be offering this new high-speed digital print solution out of our Dandenong cans manufacturing facility, to service customers across the Oceania region,” Smith said.

The Dandenong facility reinforces Victoria’s position as Australia’s leading state for food and beverage manufacturing — an industry worth $47 billion and supporting more than 76,000 jobs.

The Labor government continues to back the manufacturing sector through the Victorian Industry Policy and the new $150 million Victorian Investment Fund, helping businesses expand, innovate and create skilled jobs across the state.

“It’s fantastic to see advanced manufacturing thriving in Dandenong, with Orora’s new technology creating local jobs and driving innovation in the heart of our community,” said Gabrielle Williams, Member for Dandenong.

Image credit: iStock.com/Dragon Claws. Image for illustrative purposes only.