FDBusiness.com

Beverage can maker Rexam has partnered with Irish craft brewer Metalman to launch the brand’s first ever range of canned beers.

The change of packaging format marks a move from traditional draught to single-serve in can for the Waterford-based beer maker.

Designed by Rexam’s own creative team, the colourful and unique cans were created for the brand’s Pale Ale, Equinox and Heat Sink beers. The stylish designs, heavily influenced by the brand’s passion for the art deco movement, utilise the aluminium material of the can to neatly incorporate the Metalman logo, Rexam said.

The 330ml cans, manufactured out of Rexam’s Wakefield plant, are available to consumers throughout Ireland in specialist craft beer, on-trade and off-trade retailers, with limited distribution throughout the UK and Italy.

Metalman managing director Gráinne Walsh said: “We first met the Rexam team at Drinktec back in 2013 and were impressed with their approach to design and innovation. They visited our brewery shortly after and their proactive approach has continued. The support we received at every step of the design and manufacturing process was invaluable. It was amazing to see how the team were able to translate our concept into a stand-out can design that brings to life the heart and soul of our brand.”

Rogier Keukens, UK sales manager for Rexam, added: “There has been huge growth in the craft beer category and we see this continuing. A large number of craft breweries are selecting the beverage can over other packaging formats. We are delighted to be working with Metalman, the first Irish craft brewer to can its beer. As a can supplier, it is rewarding to play a part in the growth that Metalman is experiencing and we look forward to continuing this journey together.”

Rexam is an UK based beverage can manufacturer with 55 plants across 23 countries. The company employs approx. 8,000 people.

Metalman Brewing is a craft beer microbrewery situated in Waterford City, Ireland. The first beer, Metalman Pale Ale, was brewed under contract at the White Gypsy Brewery in Templemore, and launched in March 2011 to a great reception. The Waterford brewery was commissioned at the Tycor Business Centre and production was moved across in May 2012.