Novelis to add continuous annealing line at German site

Atlanta-based Novelis has announced that it is investing more than $30 million to build a new continuous annealing line at its Plettenberg-Ohle, Germany, plant, doubling the plant's capacity to produce aluminum used in the production of coffee capsules.

According to the company, many coffee brands choose aluminum instead of plastic to produce coffee capsules that better preserve the flavor of the coffee because aluminum offers unique barrier properties and protects the freshness and aromas of capsulated coffee from moisture, light and air. In addition, the metal can be recycled again and again, without losing its properties, making it ideal for the circular economy.

Expected to begin operations in spring 2024, construction preparations will commence upon receipt of final government approval, the company says.

"The investment demonstrates our commitment to serve as a trusted partner for our food and packaging industry customers and create more sustainable solutions for consumers," says Emilio Braghi, executive vice president and president, Novelis Europe, which is based in Zurich. "Increasing the use of recycled aluminum helps us reduce the use of natural resources, strengthen the circular economy and thus limit climate change. Our sustainability commitments include a 30-percent-carbon-footprint reduction by 2026 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 or sooner, thereby helping our customers reach their sustainability goals as well."

Together with its partners along the value chain, Novelis says it is developing low-carbon aluminum solutions and creating recycling loops for production and end-of-life scrap. This enables the company to produce innovative alloys, such as those used in the production of coffee capsules made with more than 80 percent recycled aluminum, which has been confirmed by an independent international certification body, Novelis says.

In Nachterstedt, Germany, Novelis operates an advanced aluminum recycling center with an annual capacity of 400,000 tons. The material for coffee capsules is cast in Nachterstedt from used aluminum and then processed in Ohle to meet capsule producers' product specifications.