Comparison
PET vs Aluminium Can for CSD Bottling: Which Fits Your Plant?
For CSD startups, the format choice has implications across packaging, distribution, and brand. Here is the cleanest comparison.
| Specification | PET Bottle CSD Plant | Aluminium Can Filling Line |
|---|---|---|
| Format | PET 200ml – 2L | Aluminium 250–500ml |
| Capex (5,000 BPH equivalent) | Baseline | +50–70% |
| Filling tech | Isobaric counter-pressure | Isobaric counter-pressure (can) |
| Closure | Crown / screw cap | Seamer (top-end roll) |
| Brand positioning | Mass-market, value | Premium, on-the-go |
| Recyclability | Single-use PET | Indefinitely recyclable |
| Carbonation retention | Up to 4.0 vol | Up to 4.5 vol |
| Distribution channels | GT, MT, on-premise | MT, e-commerce, on-premise |
Our verdict
PET is the workhorse format for value CSD brands and distribution scale. Cans are for premium positioning, energy drinks, RTD cocktails, and modern-trade-led brand-building. Many growing brands eventually run both lines side-by-side.
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