Image Source: Nico Brüggeboes
Recorp is set to begin production in Auckland next week. The company, led by ex-Air New Zealand executives Rob Fyfe and Bruce Parton, plans to address the demand for sustainable packaging by manufacturing aluminium cans locally, offering an alternative to imported products.
State-of-the-Art Facility Near Auckland Airport
Recorp’s $100 million facility, situated near Auckland Airport in a repurposed Kmart warehouse, is set up for high-volume can production.
The production facility is designed to maximise efficiency and reduce waste with advanced machinery. It can produce millions of cans annually, while also being flexible enough to handle smaller production runs for special or promotional items. This flexibility gives Recorp an edge over its larger, less adaptable competitors.
Reducing New Zealand’s Reliance on Imported Cans
The manufacturing company plans to supply approximately half of New Zealand’s aluminium cans, cutting down on imports from Australian companies like Visy and Orora Beverage. Recorp also aims to replace single-use plastic bottles and glass containers with more sustainable packaging options in line with New Zealand’s sustainability goals.
Experienced Leadership Backed by Kiwi Investors
Recorp’s leadership team is headed by Rob Fyfe, former CEO of Air New Zealand, and Bruce Parton, the airline’s ex-COO. The company is supported by investors including Anna Mowbray, co-founder of Zuru toys, Justin Wyborn, and Jonty Edgar.
“This is a New Zealand company owned and run by New Zealanders. These are smart, well-heeled New Zealanders coming together, seeing a problem, being willing to invest.”
According to Parton, these investors are fully committed to the company’s long-term objectives, seeing the opportunity as a solution to the ongoing environmental crisis in New Zealand.
Environmental Impact at the Core of Recorp’s Vision
While Recorp relies on imported aluminium for now, due to a lack of local supply, the company’s design innovations focus on reducing material usage. Lighter cans are expected to reduce both aluminium waste and emissions over time.
Looking ahead, Recorp plans to explore more sustainable sourcing options, including the possibility of sourcing aluminium locally.