Arnest Packaging Solutions to build US$100M aluminum can plant in Uzbekistan

UZBEKISTAN—Arnest Packaging Solutions has signed an investment agreement with the Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan to build a cutting-edge aluminum beverage can production plant at the Navoi Industrial Development Complex.

The project, backed by a US$100 million investment from Russia, is set to begin operations by autumn 2025. It will create over 200 jobs and boost local economic growth.

The new facility, with a production capacity of 1.5 billion cans per year, will strengthen market activities in Central Asia and the Caucasus.

Alexander Isaev, General Director of Ernest Packaging Solutions, emphasized that this plant will allow the company to redirect packaging currently produced in Russia to the domestic market.

Khurram Teshabaev, Deputy Head of the Ministry, noted the significance of introducing new aluminium beverage packaging technology to Uzbekistan, the first in the country.

Additionally, more than 30% of the plant’s output will be geared toward export, demonstrating a strong focus on international markets.

The Uzbek government supports the project with tax incentives, subsidies, and infrastructure development.

Teshabaev highlighted that the foreign investor would receive a custom-built production facility tailored to the project’s specific needs.

This initiative marks a major milestone in enhancing Uzbekistan’s manufacturing capabilities and positioning the country as a key player in the regional aluminum packaging market.

Tatarstan’s Danaflex expands in Central Asia

In a similar move, Russian packaging manufacturer Danaflex has announced plans to invest up to 2.5 billion rubles (US$25.67m) to launch two plants in the special economic zones (SEZ) of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

The facilities, with a combined capacity of up to 1,800 tonnes per month, will produce flexible packaging for food products, including confectionery and snacks.

Danaflex’s Sales Director, Alik Gubaydullin, noted that both Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan offer strong opportunities for growth.

The latter’s powerful food production cluster and EAEU membership provide a seamless entry point for the company.

The company plans to establish its first plant in Almaty, followed by Tashkent within six months to a year.

Each plant will span about 7,000 square meters, equipped with three production lines capable of producing 750-900 tonnes of flexible packaging monthly.

The investment for each project is estimated at €8-12 million (US$8.71 – 13.06m). Danaflex’s expansion into Central Asia reflects the region’s rapid growth and the increasing demand for flexible packaging solutions across Asian markets.

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