The Bud Light “Cool Twist” bottle is based on Alcoa’s patented technology, using their bottle sheet.
The technology is licensed by Anheuser-Busch and carries the Alcoa logo.
Packaging discussions
Kevin Lowery director, communications, global rolled products told FoodProductionDaily.com it was launched last week and is available in North America.
“We’ve worked with [them] for quite a long time and over the course of time discussed shaped packaging as they know we’re a leader in this field,” he said.
“Once we finalized our own goals we were able to smoothly work through design, concepts, and all the numerous steps to production and then to launch...leaning on our technical expertise.”
He said the firm leverage technology and expertise to help customers grow their business.
“Alcoa holds numerous patents in the shaped packaging field and we leaned on both the technologies and our technical expertise.”
When asked if there was a chance of other Anheuser-Busch brands or sizes, he said: “I’m sure they would say one step at a time...but Bud Light isn’t putting your toe in the water...it’s a pretty big move.”
Lowery said the benefit of an aluminium bottle is it is infinitely recyclable, where PET is down-cycled once (if at all) and then landfilled and the aluminium helps it feel colder in your hand which is a big consumer benefit.
Packaging past
“Alcoa’s proven history of packaging innovation spans from the introduction of the first pop-top tab on an aluminium can to this unique new aluminium bottle for Bud Light,” said Dr Raymond Kilmer, Alcoa executive vice president and chief technology officer.
“Collaborating with Anheuser Busch to create and deliver a cool, recyclable bottle that generates excitement for their consumers is what Alcoa innovation is all about.”
Alcoa provided product support to the Anheuser-Busch Innovations team, from design, concept, production, materials expertise, shaping expertise and then production ramp-up.
“We partnered with Alcoa to leverage their insights and skill to develop a package that combined both form and function, and we achieved that with the ‘Cool Twist’ bottle,” said Pat McGauley, vice president, Innovations, Anheuser-Busch.
“Not only does the ‘Cool Twist’ bottle have a sleek, innovative design, but it feels colder.”