Ambev has inaugurated a glass bottle factory in Carambeí, in the Campos Gerais region of Paraná, Brazil, with a reported investment of BRL 1 billion (EUR 156 million) and a projected capacity of up to 600 million units per year.
Ambev stated that the bottles made in Paraná will also supply the group’s breweries in different states, in addition to the Paraná market itself.
According to Ambev, the factory will begin operations by manufacturing bottles primarily for labels such as Stella Artois and Spaten, with the possibility of serving other brands in the portfolio, such as Corona and Original, in addition to alcohol-free versions.
The capacity reported by the company is of 600 million bottles annually, in different shapes and colours, which includes variations such as green, clear, and amber glass. The company also indicated that the new unit will produce bottles in sizes used in the Brazilian market, such as long neck, 600 ml and other sizes.
The intention, according to the company, is to strengthen domestic supply and reduce dependence on third parties in the glass supply chain, expanding Ambev’s self-sufficiency in this type of packaging.
According to Ambev, the Carambeí factory is the the company’s first to begin operations using 100% renewable electricity. The company also stated that it intends to operate with biofuels and high energy efficiency furnaces, as part of industrial design aimed at reducing emissions.
Another point highlighted is the use of recycled glass used in the production of bottles, the composition begins with at least 20% recycled material, with the potential to reach 80% depending on supply conditions and availability.