On 27 May 2025, MetPac-SA proudly hosted a “Metal Packaging Recovery and Recycling Process Appreciation Day” at Hulamin’s pre-consumer and post-consumer aluminium packaging recycling and re-melting facility in Pietermaritzburg. This key strategic event brought together representatives from MetPac-SA member companies and strategic partners, including Unilever, RCL Foods, Aerosol Canners, Durban University of Technology, eThekwini Municipality, and the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
The primary objective of the visit was to showcase Hulamin’s critical role in environmental sustainability and to offer attendees a deeper appreciation of the aluminium recycling process. The open day highlighted Hulamin’s proactive and long-term commitment to sustainable recycling practices. Over a decade ago, Hulamin invested R300 million in new recycling infrastructure and has continued to advance its capabilities with a recent near R100 million investment in upgrades to its recycling plant designed to enhance the quality and quantity of recycled aluminium.
Mr. Riccardo Benedetti delivered an insightful overview of the Hulamin business, shedding light on the company’s business model, which is firmly rooted in the philosophy of circularity. He highlighted Hulamin’s commitment to sustainability and the deployment of globally benchmarked recycling and re-melting technologies across its operation. Hulamin recycled can scrap is the only can-to-can recycling (up-cycling) in Sub-Southern Africa, whereby recycled cans return to the local beverage can makers to produce new beverage cans.
A tour was then held of the Recycling Plant and Remelt operations. Attendees got to see Africa’s largest aluminium recycling plant in action, comprising a globally benchmarked UBC Cleaning Line (UBCCL), and Recycling Furnace. The UBCCL is designed to process and clean UBC of foreign contamination, including steel, plastics, sand, heavy foreign objects etc. before baling. On the plant tour, the various contamination types were seen being removed from the UBCs at the two Eddy Currents, Air Knife, Magnets, and screens.
Following the UBCCL, attendees saw the Recycling Furnace in action, where up to 200 tons per day are de-coated of all lacquers and can coatings. This recycled metal is then transferred in liquid aluminium form in a specially designed Liquid Metal Transfer Vehicle (LMTV) that carries 10 tons at a time to the Remelt next door. Attendees were lucky to see the rare site of the LMTV receiving and delivering liquid aluminium.
Finally, the tour ended with a visit to the Remelt, which melts over 200,000 tons per annum, producing 6m+ long 12-ton blocks of aluminium called rolling slab. With much to see and take in, some of the more interesting facts included that the lids of the 3 melting furnaces weigh 100 tons each!
Dr. Kishan Singh, CEO of MetPac-SA, presented an overview of the circular economy and shared updates on MetPac-SA’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) strategy and achievements. His address provided assurance to members that MetPac-SA is well-positioned to meet legislated EPR goals while driving the growth of the metal packaging circular economy in South Africa.
The experience was enlightening, offering insights into the aluminium value chain, completing the circular loop, and paving the way for a future of responsible and sustainable metal packaging production and consumption. A sincere thank you goes to Riccardo Benedetti and the Hulamin management team as well as to our members and strategic partners who attended.
