New Zealand canmaker Recorp NZ is continuing to innovate with the launch of retortable beverage cans in a first for the domestic market.
Recorp said the launch is a first for New Zealand and the company’s first commercial retortable cans manufactured in the country.
Retort cans are designed with coatings and inks to withstand heat (up to 121 deg C for 30 minutes), making them ideal for beverages that require pasteurisation, while maintaining the highest food safety standards, the canmaker said.
“At Recorp, we’ve gone a step further, developing specialised inks that endure these high temperatures without compromising quality,” Recorp said on social media. “This achievement marks a breakthrough in local manufacturing capabilities, reinforcing Recorp’s commitment to excellence and innovation for New Zealand beverage manufacturers.”
Chief executive Bruce Parton told The Canmaker: “When we set Recorp up, our focus was on being able to provide innovative solutions to be able to make our customers look good. We’ve just produced Australasia’s first commercial Retort can. We all know Kiwis love a coffee, and canned coffee continues to grow in the Australian and Asian markets. These are specially designed to store these beverages, like iced coffee, making it an impressive addition to our line-up. They can withstand heat, up to 121 deg C for 30 mins, which is essential to this process. We have even blended special inks that can handle the same pressure. By providing these options locally, we hope that our customers have the versatility to try new formulas and drinks, furthering innovation and giving Kiwis more choice on shelf.”
Recorp recently launched a beverage can with very high recycled content. The ReCan85 is said to be made with 85% recycled aluminium, which the Auckland-based canmaker says is sourced domestically and is a world’s first.
The company has also innovated with the offer of 200 ends for can bodies, in addition to 202 ends.
Recorp’s beverage can plant started production in November 2024, with turnkey installation provided by Belvac. Read an interview with chief executive Bruce Parton in the September edition of The Canmaker.
