Beyond efforts to reduce plastic use, alternative low-carbon packaging options such as paper bottles and metal cans are gradually gaining traction in the market. In 2021, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company partnered with Graphic Packaging to introduce paperboard packaging, while AB InBev launched “ultra-low carbon” aluminum cans in the UK. Similarly, Suntory unveiled a 100% plant-based PET bottle. Of these alternatives, aluminum can packaging has emerged as a preferred choice due to its high recycling rate and strong environmental performance. Pathwater, founded just seven years ago, has quickly established a strong market presence with its aluminum-canned water. It ranked second on the 2021 Inc. 5000 list of "Fastest-Growing Food and Beverage Companies" in the U.S. and successfully secured $30 million in Series A funding.
Pathwater’s aluminum-canned water not only offers an environmentally friendly option but also appeals to the market through innovative design and strategic marketing. The company’s aluminum cans are thicker with wider openings, making them easy to reuse and recycle. Pathwater has expanded its product range to include carbonated beverages and alkaline electrolyte water, catering to a diverse consumer base. Through partnerships with non-profit organizations, personalized bottle designs, and collaborations with renowned brands, Pathwater has effectively penetrated the premium market. The brand now has a presence in over 50,000 retail outlets across the U.S.
Aluminum containers are increasingly being adopted as the preferred packaging choice for beverages, owing to their high recycling rates and minimal carbon footprint. In the UK, Re: water launched 100% recycled aluminum bottles for its pure still water, while Norway’s Lofoten Arctic Water introduced recyclable aluminum bottles. In the U.S., Open Water became the first brand to offer “climate-neutral” certified aluminum bottled water. The tea and wine industries are also exploring the potential of aluminum bottle packaging. Japan's MUJI replaced plastic bottles with aluminum ones, and TRIVIUM PACKAGING in the U.S. introduced aluminum-bottled wine, expanding the scope of aluminum packaging applications.
While the global focus on reducing plastic packaging is becoming more widespread, China’s efforts have primarily centered on lightweighting and partial plastic reduction. Coca-Cola has pioneered paperboard packaging, and Danone has leveraged "carbon capture" technology to innovate PET bottle production. However, the potential for aluminum packaging remains significant in the domestic market. Aluminum is already widely used for packaging carbonated beverages and beer, and as environmental regulations tighten and technology improves, the demand for aluminum packaging is expected to grow. Brands like By-Health and Beijing Erguotou have already led the way by incorporating aluminum bottles, setting an example for the industry.
Despite these advancements, the widespread adoption of aluminum bottle packaging in China still faces several technical barriers. Traditional two-piece cans are ideal for carbonated beverages and beer but are not suitable for non-pressurized liquid packaging. However, Impact Extrusion (IE) aluminum bottle technology is gaining momentum in China, and innovations such as photochromic and thermochromic technologies are offering exciting new possibilities for aluminum packaging.
Moreover, the development of policies and standards will play a key role in advancing aluminum bottle packaging. The China National Research Institute of Food & Fermentation Industries is conducting research on “Evaluation of Primary Recycling of Metal Products for Food Contact” and is in the process of drafting relevant standards to promote the recycling and standardized development of aluminum bottle packaging.
The evolution of packaging materials continues to be driven by technological advancements and growing consumer awareness. From glass bottles to PET and now aluminum bottles and multi-layer composite materials, packaging innovation is progressing rapidly. With their high recycling rates and environmental benefits, aluminum bottles are poised to become a mainstream choice for beverage packaging. However, their widespread adoption in China will require overcoming challenges related to technology, cost, and consumer education. If more innovative brands like Pathwater emerge in China, the commercialization of aluminum bottles could accelerate, propelling the beverage packaging industry toward a more sustainable future.
Source: Foodaily
