FDBusiness.com

Xolution GmbH has successfully closed a €45m equity investment round with the Singapore-based equity fund Inventure Management Pte Ltd to fund the production capacity increase for Xolution’s next generation XO2.0 resealable beverage can technology.

Xolution plans to use the investment proceeds to increase its annual worldwide production capacity to over 1bn can-ends.

Inventure brings to Xolution an extensive manufacturing experience from the aluminium can and plastics industry. Its focus is in packaging solutions and more specifically with multinational beverage companies and brands in its portfolio.

In order to meet the market demand from global and regional beverage brands for its next generation XO2.0 resealable beverage can-end technology, Xolution has partnered with suppliers such as Alpla, Hekuma, and Z-Molds to design and roll out over 1bn lids a year.

The XO system is a revolutionary and innovative solution for beverage cans ranging from 200ml to 1 litre, enabling beverage cans to be resealed multiple times and enjoyed at leisure. Unlike conventional beverage cans, which can only be opened once, XO-equipped beverage cans have lids with an integrated plastic opening mechanism that enables the can to be resealed and portioned for later consumption. A tamper-proof seal covers and secures the opening strap and breaks when initially opened, providing consumers with a guarantee that the can has not been previously opened. When driving a car, playing sport or shopping, beverages remain perfectly fresh and carbonated. Resealed cans are also pressure-stable and entirely gas- as well as liquid-tight – so there is no risk of spilling or dripping. The system is suitable for a wide variety of beverages and can be used in existing filling lines without major modifications or capital investment. The XO system is currently enjoyed by consumers in a number of markets around the world.

“The equity investment by Inventure will help facilitate our growth as we look to capitalise on multiple opportunities within the global beverage can marketplace,” said Xolution CEO Marc von Rettberg. “It took more than six years of intense R&D to finish the current XO re-sealable can end design, which is able to withstand even the toughest demands on a beverage can. We are confident that the current XO can-ends will provide consumers with the opportunity to take their favourite beverage can anywhere they want to go. This investment also enables us to continue new development projects in order to supply the beverage can industry with innovative packaging solutions.”