ALPLA and CCL Label have introduced a stackable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) drink container wrapped in a full-body shrink sleeve, presenting it as an alternative to aluminium cans.

The new 0.33l format uses transparent PET and does not require extra internal coatings.

It can be recycled and run on existing PET filling lines.

Its closure is designed to help shield the contents from dirt and insects, which may also reduce sorting and washing work during recycling.

The container is resealable through a tethered cap, a feature Alpla said is new to the can category.

The outer shrink sleeve covers the full surface of the pack and provides a 360° print area, with silver and mirror-style finishes.

Alpla said the sleeve is applied after filling, allowing changes to design and production at a later stage.

The container can also be made with recycled PET (rPET) and is intended to remain within the existing "bottle-to-bottle" recycling stream.

Recycling is supported by CCL Label’s EcoFloat sleeve, made from low-density PO [polyolefin].

The label is designed to separate from PET flakes during processing.

The launch follows the EU’s ban on bisphenol-containing food packaging, particularly disposable formats, starting in July.

Alpla food and beverage global sales director Daniel Lehner said: "A beverage can may just as well be made of plastic. Our PET can relies on the well-known material properties of transparent PET, which have proven themselves on the market, strengthens the supply chain and can highlight special products as a novelty.

"We stand for safe and modern packaging solutions worldwide. The PET can combines these features and enables our customers to have a seamless and long-term supply.”

In March, Alpla commenced operations at its new manufacturing facility in Calamba City, Philippines, establishing its first base plant in the country.