MANNA CAPITAL PARTNERS WITH BALL CORPORATION TO IMPROVE ALUMINUM CAN SHEET RECYCLING

Ball Corporation, a leading global supplier of infinitely recyclable aluminum beverage containers, and Manna Capital Partners, a minority-owned business and investment firm, have announced a joint venture in which Manna will build and operate a state-of-the-art aluminum can sheet rolling mill and recycling center in Los Lunas, New Mexico.

The announcement demonstrates the commitment of both companies to create a stronger and more sustainable domestic supply chain for the growing beverage packaging market. Specifically, Ball will sign a long-term supply agreement and also intends to take a minority shareholding position in the steel mill.

Dan Fisher, President and CEO of Ball Corporation reiterates that “further increasing the recycled content in our products is key to driving our sustainability and securing domestic supply of our key raw material” so he reiterates that “this alliance complements the significant manufacturing investments Ball has made in the Southwest U.S. since 2020 to meet growing demand for sustainable beverage packaging, and we look forward to partnering with Manna and its management team to help create a truly circular economy for aluminum can sheet. We look forward to partnering with Manna and its management team to help create a truly circular economy for aluminum can sheet, bring skilled jobs to the region, and help our customers meet their sustainability commitments.

Junior Bridgeman, managing partner of Manna adds, “We look forward to partnering with Ball, a leader in the beverage packaging industry, to improve supply chain efficiency through more sustainable domestic aluminum production.”

However, global demand for aluminum cans is expected to increase significantly by 2030, with North America estimated to account for a considerable share of the growth. Since 2016, beverage can industry demand in North America has grown 24% from 107 billion units to nearly 133 billion units last year. While the industry in North America has relied on imported aluminum can sheet coils to meet demand, partnerships like this one will allow Ball and its key customers to access more domestically produced aluminum can sheet and remove impediments to growth.