Representing a major innovation for the beverage packaging market across Oceania, Orora has introduced Helio, a direct-to-shape digital printing technology that unlocks new possibilities in colour, texture, and creative can design.
By eliminating the long lead times associated with traditional can decoration and printing methods, Helio enables faster turnaround and smaller minimum order quantities—making it ideal for promotional campaigns, limited editions, product launches, and special events.
Following successful installation and commissioning at Orora’s Dandenong manufacturing facility in Victoria, the Helio system is now fully operational, producing customised can decoration for a wide range of beverage categories including carbonated soft drinks, craft beer, ready-to-drink (RTD) alcohol, sparkling water, and kombucha.
Orora Cans Executive General Manager Chris Smith said the introduction of Helio significantly strengthens Orora’s customer offering and will transform how beverage brands connect with consumers at the point of purchase.
“As a leading can manufacturer, our role has always been to support our customers and their brands in meeting the needs and interests of consumers,” Mr Smith said.
“Helio allows us to take this even further, as primary packaging plays an increasingly important role in the marketing mix, with compelling decoration influencing purchase decisions.”
“We’re excited to offer this high-speed digital printing solution from our Dandenong cans manufacturing facility to customers across the Oceania region.”
The Helio launch follows the installation of an $80 million multi-size can line at Dandenong, completed in June 2023 with support from the Victorian Government. The expansion has created skilled manufacturing jobs and strengthened Victoria’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing innovation.
Victoria’s Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, Colin Brooks, visited the site to mark the first cans decorated using Helio.
“Victoria is leading the way in advanced manufacturing, and Orora’s Helio technology is a great example of how local innovation is transforming global industries,” Minister Brooks said.
“This investment delivers cutting-edge packaging solutions while supporting skilled jobs and strengthening our state’s manufacturing capability.”
Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams added that the project highlights the region’s growing manufacturing strength.
“It’s fantastic to see advanced manufacturing thriving in Dandenong, with Orora’s new technology creating local jobs and driving innovation in the heart of our community,” Ms Williams said.
Beyond Dandenong, Orora continues to expand national can production capacity. The company has recently completed a $114 million multi-size can line at Revesby (NSW) and is constructing a $135 million classic-size can line at Rocklea (Queensland) as part of a broader capacity expansion program to meet growing beverage market demand.
“These investments ensure Orora Cans is well positioned to meet customer needs over the next five years and beyond,” Mr Smith said. “Aluminium cans are a highly sustainable and convenient packaging option. As an infinitely recyclable material, aluminium makes cans an increasingly compelling choice for both existing and new beverage products.”