Ecocap’s met the lively craft beer market of South-East Asia at the Brew Asia Trade Fair in Singapore. Protection and quality for cans, in a market ready to invest in the sustainable growth of the sector.

New opportunities for craft beer in Southeast Asia

On 3 and 4 October 2024, Ecocap’s participated with its own stand in the 10^th edition of the Brew Asia Trade Fair, at the Suntec Convention & Exhibition Center in Singapore.

The fair, dedicated above all to craft breweries, brought together sector operators interested in growing a profitable and sustainable industry through investments, distribution strategies and new product launches.

Jacopo Cassoli, General Manager of Ecocap’s, observes: “On Western markets there is a decline in the craft beer segment, while South-East Asia is takes shape as a new development area, capable of opening up business opportunities in emerging countries, which are expressing interest in the sector”.

TopSyl, protection and innovation

The patented system, designed to protect cans from contamination and preserve the high quality of drinks, proves ideal for meeting the needs of an expanding sector that is increasingly attentive to quality.

Ecocap’s solution not only improves hygienic safety and conservation, but also enhances product and marketing communication, justifying the additional cost in a market willing to enhance quality.

Participation in the Brew Asia Trade Fair represents for Ecocap’s the continuation of an adventure in the dynamic South-East Asian market, in contact with many passionate professionals.

Ecocap’s will travel the world in November: 3 strategic stops to showcase the latest innovations in beverage packaging and connect with industry leaders.

Next stages

Ecocap’s, the leading Italian company in the sector of packaging solutions for canned drinks, is preparing for a November full of international events. The company will participate in four major global trade fairs, presenting its innovative industrial machines and the TopSyl patent.

Here are the next stages of Ecocap’s:

• Gulfood Manufacturing (Dubai, UAE), 5-7 November
• Drink Japan (Tokyo, Japan), November 20-22
• Brau Beviale (Nuremberg, Germany), 26-28 November

During these fairs, Ecocap’s will have the opportunity to show its latest generation machinery, which responds to the most advanced needs of the packaging sector. The focus will be on the TopSyl patent, a cutting-edge solution that guarantees protection, quality and sustainability in can packaging.

Participation in these fairs will not only be a showcase for Ecocap’s technologies, but also a precious opportunity to get in touch with operators from all over the world. The company aims to expand its commercial network and seize new business opportunities, consolidating its position on the global market.

Comparison and in-depth analysis

In addition to the presentation of its technologies, Ecocap’s will actively participate in debates on emerging trends and the main challenges of the beverage market, including the trend in global demand, logistical issues, the growing attention to sustainability and regulatory evolution. The fairs also represent an opportunity to deal with the critical issues of the sector, such as the increase in the costs of raw materials and the need for green innovations to respond to the demands of a market increasingly oriented towards respect for the environment.

Ecocap’s objective will therefore be twofold: on the one hand, to consolidate its network of international partners and forge new collaborations; on the other, contributing to the debate on sustainable technological solutions, essential to face the challenges of the future.

Through a dedicated survey, the Bologna-based company specialized in the production of can packaging machines seeks to understand consumer preferences in the beverage segment.

Beverages: consumption trends in Ecocap’s survey

Ecocap’s, the Bolognese company specialized in the production of can packaging machines, aims to better understand consumer preferences in the beverage market.

In particular, attention is paid to the can segment and the innovative TopSyl aluminium seal, designed to improve the quality and preservation of drinks.

The survey, which will remain open until the end of December, aims to collect data on consumption trends and consumer preferences.

An ongoing survey: take part too!

Participating is quick and easy:

and help outline the future of the beverage market.

Thanks to constant research and innovation, Ecocap’s applies the best available technologies, actively engaging in building a path of environmental sustainability.

Sustainability at the forefront per Ecocap’s

Ecocap’s machines, together with the patented TopSyl system, offer producers in the beverage world a new innovative and responsible way to protect canned drinks.

In an era where environmental sustainability is fundamental, Ecocap’s is committed to developing cutting-edge solutions that guarantee excellent performance with an increasingly lower environmental impact.

Sustainability is at the centre of Ecocap’s mission thanks to solutions which reduce the aluminium used and achieve its total recyclability.

TopSyl: the sustainable can cover for all productions

The TopSyl sealing system, based on a simple but revolutionary aluminium disc, represents an internationally patented innovation.

TopSyl is applied over the opening tab of the can, offering protection against humidity, mould, bacteria and other external agents, becoming an integral part of the can and opening up new communication, marketing and promotional opportunities.

The system consists of a machine that fixes the TopSyl onto the can, using an aluminium-to-aluminium heat-welding technique.

This process occurs without the use of glues or other additional materials, improving the hygiene of the product and reducing costs, while maintaining total recyclability of the materials. TopSyl is 100% sustainable, confirming itself as an ecological and efficient choice for beverage producers.

Ecocap’s solutions for every production need

Ecocap’s offers a range of cutting-edge machines to manage different quantities of TopSyl, based on production needs.

CSS020 and CSS096 are compact machines, ideal for packaging small format cans. Designed for limited production, these machines are flexible and can operate both in line and in stand-alone mode. Easy to use, they guarantee efficiency even for small volumes.

CSS121 and CSS242 are perfect for medium productions, such as soft drinks, beers, mineral waters and other drinks. Equipped with rotary technology, these industrial machines offer great flexibility and the possibility of adapting to different layouts, meeting the needs of more complex production lines.

CSS648 and CSS760 are the solutions for high-speed production. Ideal for large volumes of soft drinks, beers, mineral waters and other beverages, these flexible, rotary machines are designed to maximize efficiency. Thanks to the four warehouses they are equipped with, they can alternate up to four different TopSyl designs, allowing immediate and large-scale customization.

With Ecocap’s machines, productivity and flexibility combine with maximum quality, offering innovative solutions for can packaging, in line with market needs and respecting sustainability.

For the Cassoli Group, this is a new direction, aimed at responding in the best possible way to the rapidly evolving dynamics of the packaging market.

Growth and diversification strategies

The Cassoli Group, internationally recognized for the innovation and quality of its packaging machines, has initiated a corporate reorganization process. This is an integral part of a broader strategy aimed at maintaining its role in the sector and responding effectively and promptly to new challenges in the packaging market.

For the three companies of the Group – – CPS Company, Nema Automazione and Ecocap’s – the reorganization is characterized by a series of interventions aimed at optimizing the company structure and improving operational efficiency. Key initiatives include adopting and monitoring new processes and standards, increasing flexibility, increasing research and development activities, and strengthening training programs.

The objective is twofold: on the one hand, to improve the competitiveness of the Cassoli Group on the international scene; on the other, to ensure greater responsiveness to the needs of customers, who operate in an increasingly dynamic and constantly evolving market. The reorganization will allow to offer even more efficient, customer-oriented and sustainable solutions.

Packaging market: growing trends

This process is part of a context of strong growth and development of the packaging market, driven by the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions and the expansion of new market segments.

The Cassoli Group, with its long tradition of excellence and innovation, is well positioned to make the most of these opportunities and to continue growing in the future.

The company reorganization is therefore a proactive response to market transformations, confirming the company’s desire to continue to be a point of reference in the packaging sector, providing high-quality products and cutting-edge services.

The popularity of metal packaging is driven by economic, social and growing environmental awareness factors. The food and beverage industry is the main driver of the growing demand.

Aluminium cans: high demand

Among metal packaging, cans are the most popular. A trend that is set to grow in the future: by 2026, the global can market will grow by 4.8%, reaching a value of 101,993 million US dollars.

Aluminium, tin and steel are the main metals used and make up a third of all metal packaging, with aluminium being the dominant material for can production in the future.

The growth of the aluminium packaging industry has been driven by new market segments. Cans are used in a variety of areas, although the main demand comes from the food and beverage sector, with strong geographical variations: in North and South America, Europe and Japan, they are mainly used for beverages and processed foods, while in Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan) for oil, and in the Middle East for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and industrial products.

Positive trends for the can market

The global increase in demand for ready-to-eat and packaged food and beverages, especially alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, is creating new markets for metal cans.

The United States of America is the largest market for metal packaging. However, rising disposable income and urbanization in many developing countries is driving demand for packaged food and beverages: China, India and Brazil are where this growth is being seen.

In Europe, there is a lot of room for growth in metal packaging in the food market, especially for the beverage sector, as the EU is promoting aluminium packaging to promote a circular economy as much as possible.

Aluminium cans are in fact considered more environmentally friendly, with a recycling rate in Europe of over 70%, compared to plastics, whose disposal presents significant problems.

More and more companies are committed to building a brand and a narrative that is synonymous with sustainability: less plastic in favour of new metal cans with healthy inner linings. A process that leads to the growth of investments in this sector and that leads to the creation of products aimed at satisfying the needs and tastes of consumers, as well as being environmentally friendly.

Aluminium cans for water: a case study

A virtuous example is given by the industries of the Nordic countries that are opting for metal cans for the sale of water, considered healthier and more environmentally friendly.

Many Italian companies are also opting for water in aluminium cans and Ecocap’s itself with TopSyl has participated in the production of water in cans, as with S.Bernardo water!

The recycling of aluminium packaging has successfully exceeded the EU objectives, ahead of the established targets. The data provided by CIAL for 2023 confirms the notable progress underlining the commitment towards sustainable and responsible waste management.

The Italian model

During the CIAL annual meeting on 16 May, the data presented once again highlighted Italy’s role in the management of aluminium packaging and packaging waste. The Italian model is therefore a point of reference at a European level, confirming the principles of the action plan for the circular economy.

During 2023, 70.3% of the aluminium packaging introduced on the Italian market, equal to approximately 59,300 tonnes, was sent for recycling. If we add to this what comes from energy recovery, the total amount of packaging recovered reaches 74.1%. These results translate into a saving of 417 thousand tons of CO₂ and an energy saving equivalent to over 182 thousand tons of oil.

The management of aluminium packaging in our country is considered an example of excellence at a European level, characterized by a cost-effectiveness ratio among the best on the continent and a model of social, economic and environmental sustainability. This success was possible thanks to the close collaboration between institutions, businesses, sector operators, citizens and municipalities, who together have built a very positive relationship with the territory.

Beyond European targets

With an average of 70%, Italy has significantly exceeded the recycling objectives established by the European Union both for 2025, with 50%, and for 2030, with 60%.

Projections provided by Conai indicate further improvements in 2024: estimates for this year predict a packaging recycling rate in Italy of 74.9%, with the recovery of 10.3 million tonnes of waste. In particular, a recycling rate of 77.8% is expected for steel (409 thousand tonnes), 73% for aluminium (64 thousand tonnes), 85.6% for paper (4.3 million tons), 65.1% for wood (2.1 million tons), 52% for plastic and compostable bioplastic (1.2 million tons, of which approximately 51 thousand bioplastics), and 85 .9% for glass (2.3 million tons).

Particularly significant is the effectiveness of the Italian system in the recycling of aluminium beverage cans, which reached 93.8% in 2023. This exceptional result far exceeds the average European recycling rate, at 76%, demonstrating the effectiveness and efficiency of our approach to waste management.

This result also makes us at Ecocap’s particularly proud, as we have always been at the forefront of sustainability and the recycling of materials: it is no coincidence that our TopSyl caps are 100% aluminium and 100% recyclable!

The new corporate welfare policies are designed to meet staff needs and improve the quality of working life. Considerations that represent a clear commitment by the company towards the well-being of its employees.

Flexible hours

With the arrival of summer, characterized by extremely high temperatures, the Cassoli Group confirms its commitment to the well-being of its employees, giving space to more flexible working hours for production workers. This is a measure designed from a corporate welfare perspective, which aims to respond to staff needs and improve the quality of work in the hottest areas.

This means that the workers concerned can enter work between 6.30 and 8.30 in the morning, leaving early in the time slot between 3.30 and 5.30 pm. A flexibility that allows you to avoid the hottest hours of the day, contributing to create a more comfortable and productive working environment.

By taking into account the needs of its staff, the Cassoli Group responds in a concrete way to climate challenges and requests for balance between work and private life. Gestures, initiatives and precautions that further strengthen the bond between the company and its employees.

Summer break

The offices and the production area of ​​the Cassoli Group will carry out the usual company closure, from Saturday 10th to Sunday 18th August included.

The Cassoli Group surprises with a moment dedicated to sharing and empathy. Thanks to the partnership with ChiaraMilla there is space for interaction with animals, to promote pet therapy and pet education.

A partnership of inclusion

A bond between the Cassoli Group and Chiara Milla that was formed during the last moment of the company Family Day. (link alla news precedente)

To conclude the festive Saturday, the Cassoli Group organized a final surprise, a further moment of aggregation designed to strengthen the sense of community and belonging to the company.

Thanks to the partnership with ChiaraMilla, an association that carries out extraordinary work in the field of Animal-Assisted Therapies and Activities, the employees, with their respective families, were able to attend demonstrations of how animals support disabled people and how to learn and interact with animals in a responsible and conscious way.

The presentation of the book “Lulù’s chair” was very engaging and allowed us to hear live how the affection – and concrete help – of a dog can make the difference in coping with disability.

The collaboration with Chiaramilla has highlighted the importance of promoting awareness and inclusion in our community, through raising awareness of pet therapy and the diffusion of pet education, a methodology that brings children closer to the animal world to develop or improve skills relationships and emotional intelligence.

A further moment of aggregation designed to strengthen the sense of community and belonging to the company and which underlined the Cassoli Group’s commitment to being an active part in the promotion of individual and collective well-being, inside and outside the environment corporate.

ChiaraMilla, promoting well-being through animals

ChiaraMilla is an amateur social and sports promotion association with a clear and unique mission: to spread Pet Therapy.

Founded with the aim of improving the well-being of people facing various types of hardships, the association is committed to bringing comfort and relief through interaction with animals. Pet Therapy is a therapeutic practice that exploits the unique bond between humans and animals to promote recovery and psychophysical well-being.

ChiaraMilla firmly believes in the healing power of animals and is committed to spreading this form of therapy, offering interaction sessions with trained dogs at public and private facilities throughout the Emilia-Romagna region and beyond. ChiaraMilla is also dedicated to spreading the concept of animal welfare and dog culture through Pet Education workshops. Aimed at children and young people from nursery schools to high schools, these workshops offer the opportunity to learn and interact with animals in a responsible and conscious way.

The association works in collaboration with public and private institutions to bring the benefits of Pet Therapy to an ever-increasing number of people. Furthermore, it plays an active role in professional training, offering courses for operators in the sector and for the training of support dogs for disabled people.

ChiaraMilla is much more than an association: it is a community of people united by a passion for animals and the desire to make a difference in the lives of others. With dedication and love, she works every day to promote well-being through interaction with animals, bringing comfort, joy and hope to those in need.

A concrete gesture by the Cassoli Group to support a cooperative that for years has been promoting social inclusion and the well-being of people in difficulty, while offering a day of leisure to employees and their families.

Active support and social commitment

The Cassoli Group has decided to actively support the cooperative by organizing its Family Day in the spaces of this inclusive and innovative reality, all’ingresso del parco Talon a Casalecchio di Reno.

The choice to organize the Family Day in this cooperative was not accidental: not only a way to offer employees and their families a day of leisure, but also a concrete gesture of support towards a cooperative which for years has been committed to social inclusion and well-being of people with disabilities and in difficult situations.

The Cassoli Group firmly believes in the values ​​of solidarity and sustainability and, through this initiative, it intends to strengthen the bond with the local community in which it operates and promote an inclusive and environmentally friendly development model.

Family Day represented a unique opportunity for employees and offered them the opportunity to connect with nature, support social causes and enjoy a day of fun and relaxation together with their families in the spirit of sharing and of being together.

The employees of the Cassoli Group and their families also had the opportunity to discover the rich world of bees thanks to an educational session, a live honey extraction, a tasting and the possibility of creating candles together with the children.

The Cooperative, who is COpAPS?

COpAPS is a social and agricultural cooperative, based in Sasso Marconi, which places inclusion at the centre of its mission. The objective of the association is to promote the social integration of people with disabilities and in difficult situations through tailor-made paths. In these paths, work becomes a source of well-being and self-esteem, but also a tool for social inclusion.

Operating in the Bologna area for over 40 years, COPAPS has been dedicating to the inclusion of people in difficulty, accompanying young people with disabilities in educational and training courses, for job placement, both within the cooperative itself and in external realities, through agricultural, social and artisanal activities.

The main part of the activity is represented by the creation and maintenance of parks, gardens and public green areas in the neighbouring municipalities. The association collaborates with Hera for ecological and environmental services, such as the collection and transport of municipal and similar solid waste. The agricultural activities instead take place on the “Ca’ del Bosco” farm, where vegetable, flowering and ornamental plants are grown and marketed, as well as the production of organic vegetables, medicinal plants and cereals.

Alongside these activities there is also a social carpentry workshop based on the artisanal recovery of wood. Its added value is the valorisation of resources, acting as a meeting space for cultural activities, social integration and for training and job placement workshops aimed at both young people with disabilities and adults in fragile situations.