Orora launches high-speed can decoration technology at Dandenong

Orora has begun using a new digital print solution, able to directly print to cans at high speeds, at its Dandenong factory.

Industry title Print21, which attended the launch last week, reports that the new Helio solution is based on a Velox NNC 500 machine, “eliminates the need for plates, labels or sleeves”; and is able to lay “photorealistic, full-colour” decoration directly onto necked aluminium beverage cans at a rate of up to 500 cans per minute.

“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,” said Orora Cans Executive General Manager Chris Smith in a statement from the Victorian government on Monday.

“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.”

According to Orora, the installation is a first for a can company in the world. The ASX-listed packaging business announced a partnership with technology provider Velox Digital on what it called Helio by Orora in July 2023. 

The upgrade follows an $80 million multi-can line fed by aluminium coil, launched two years ago.

The contract packaging company employs approximately 250 in Victoria, and its Dandenong facility “is now the most advanced of its kind in the region”, according to the release.

“This investment is not only delivering cutting-edge packaging solutions but also supporting skilled jobs and strengthening our state’s manufacturing capability,” added state industry minister Colin Brooks.

Picture: credit Orora

Further reading

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