Solucan will install the world’s first Tonejet Cyclone direct-to-can digital printing system at the company’s new facility in Quebec, Canada. The system will give Northeast American beverage producers all the benefits of short run digital can decoration without the high cost, waste and recycling headaches that come with traditional labels and shrink-sleeves.

The Tonejet Cyclone system is scheduled for installation later this month and will be put through its paces at Solucan’s purpose-built site, producing millions of unique customised cans.

The Solucan initiative supports the craft brewers and other beverage manufacturers of the region “We are focussed on offering a cost-effective, environmentally-friendly solution to our customers and to theirs” comments Sebastien Baril, President at Solucan. “The government is looking for a recyclable solution and we have their support towards a better canning solution for the industry. Currently, beverage producers wanting to avoid labels have to purchase from the major can manufacturers, whose minimum quantities are far too large for any microbrewer or craft beer producer that we are working with. With the Cyclone, these issues are addressed – the system allows us to keep up with changing consumer habits, transforming packaging as we know it” he continues.

“We are now able to transform a beverage can into a totally digital portal” adds Jean-Francois Gaudreault, General Manager at Solucan. “Linking packaging to the digital world, accessible via your smart-phone or laptop is a total game-changer and provides a powerful marketing tool. In addition to using the space to promote events, marketing promotions etc., you can include codes to link to augmented reality (AR) apps and even invisible codes and water marking” he states.

The Cyclone is arriving at a critical time in Quebec, where there is pressure to increase packaging sustainability. The provincial recycling body Recyc-Québec is enforcing new environmental regulations, making some beverage containers obsolete. The plastic shrink-sleeves and pressure-sensitive labels currently used for short run beverage can decoration have a high environmental impact and will become obsolete when new standards are enforced. Cans produced using the Tonejet Cyclone system are 100% recyclable, providing a future-proof solution.

Rob Day, Tonejet CEO said the new capability will transform the beverage industry in Canada. “Now that Solucan have their machine installed, they can offer digital packaging to beverage producers whilst complying with new government regulations. They will save on material costs, minimise lead times and achieve better quality than with labels” he said.

Solucan has developed its relationship with Tonejet over four years and has a wealth of experience in traditional and digital print. Positioned as a leader in the field of digitally printed packaging, Solucan has taken on a mission to support Quebec’s beverage industry in its efforts to market a top-end product to meet consumer expectations whilst complying with new strict environmental standards.

Left to right: Marvin Foreman, Sales Manager, Tonejet; Rob Day, CEO, Tonejet; Sebastien Baril, President at Solucan and Jean-Francois Gaudreault, General Manager at Solucan pictured with the Cyclone system.