IFC Supports Uzbekistan’s First Aluminum Can Plant to Boost Local Manufacturing and Sustainability

• Financing will support the country's first aluminum can production plant in Tashkent, strengthening domestic supply, reducing reliance on imports, and meeting rising demand.
• Advances greener, fully recyclable packaging and enhances supply chain resilience through domestic production and energy-efficient equipment.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan, January 30, 2025-IFC is investing in Uzbekistan's East Can Solutions to develop the country's first greenfield aluminum can production facility. Based in Tashkent, the plant will supply leading beverage producers with fully recyclable metal packaging to strengthen domestic supply, meet rising market demand, and reduce reliance on imports.

Uzbekistan's metal packaging industry currently depends entirely on imports, exposing local manufacturers to supply chain vulnerabilities, fluctuating import costs, and long delivery times. Establishing domestic production capacity will help mitigate these risks and enhance efficiency.

IFC's loan is expected to help the project generate more than 200 direct jobs and deliver strong environmental benefits. The facility's production capacity is expected to reach up to 1.1 billion aluminum cans annually. Aluminum cans are fully recyclable, and the plant's deployment of highly energy-efficient equipment will help reduce energy consumption and lower emissions, in line with Uzbekistan's climate goals.

"With IFC's financing of up to $18 million and advisory support, we can bring high-quality, recyclable packaging solutions to Uzbek beverage producers and help build a more competitive, sustainable industry. This investment ensures reliable local supply, better cost efficiency, and the application of international best practices in production and sustainability," said Shukhrat Ergashiev, Founder of East Can Solutions LLC.

"This investment strengthens Uzbekistan's manufacturing base, bolsters supply chain resilience, and promotes sustainable, recyclable packaging solutions," said Lukas Casey, IFC's Manager for Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services in Central Asia and Türkiye. "By producing aluminum cans locally, we reduce dependence on imports and foster competitiveness, while creating jobs and building local skills in a rapidly growing market."

Beyond financing, IFC will work with East Can Solutions to align its environmental and social standards with IFC's Performance Standards and global industry best practices and support the company in pursuing EDGE green building certification.