Thailand’s second-largest brewer has launched an unpasteurised beer packaged in screw-top aluminium bottles.

The launch by Chang marks the debut of the country’s first-ever screw-top aluminium beer bottle.

The bottles are being made Thai Beverage Can Co, which is a joint venture with Ball Corporation. They are similar to the Alumi-Tek bottles made in the US by Ball using technology that originated in Japan and was further developed in 2011 by Ball.

The D&I bottle is made in 310ml (10oz) and 510ml (17oz) sizes, with a body diameter of 66.2mm, with 38mm ROPP, and is compatible with retort and cold fill processes. 

Chang says the advantages of this form of packaging include reusability, enhanced temperature stability compared to conventional cans, and 100% recyclability.

The product is targeted at Thailand’s premium beer market, valued at THB40 billion (USD1.12bn) and is designed to meet the increasing demand for high-end beverages.

Songwit Sritham, chief executive of Chang owner ThaiBev said: “As a leader in the beer market committed to continuous innovation, we are confident that the Chang unpasteurised screw-cap aluminium bottle, with its novel design and delicious taste, will enhance Chang’s premium image.”

The unpasteurised beer, brewed at the Wang Noi facility in Ayutthaya province, will cater to a beer market worth THB200bn (USD5.6bn), the premium segment of which it claims is experiencing over 30% annual growth. 

However, it has a shorter shelf life because it is unpasteurised, and means Chang has no plans for export.

Thai Beverage Can is one of six beverage can plants operating in Thailand.