Recently our MD Alex Fordham appeared in the IMDPA's new podcast, 'Two cans and a string'. The episode dives into the evolution of industry coverage, the growing importance of engaging with different media consumption behaviours and how to best reach audiences. 

From the challenges of staying unbiased in a tight-knit industry to the opportunities that come with digital publishing, this conversation uncovers what’s really happening behind the headlines. Whether you're a supplier, decorator, or brand manager, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to better understand how media can shape, elevate, and even disrupt the world of metal packaging.

Grab your headphones and join host Samuel Courtney for an insightful discussion on the power of press, purpose-driven content, and why every can—and every company—has a story worth telling.

With thanks to
www.metaldecorators.org

In this podcast episode, Jason Galley, Director and Chief Executive, of MPMA UK, delve into the current state of the UK metal packaging industry, focusing on significant challenges and changes such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), deposit return schemes,and tariffs. We discuss the industry's resilience, the complexities of packaging reforms, and the necessity for effective communication and collaboration with government bodies to ensure sustainability. 

The conversation also touches on broader themes of sustainability, consumer behaviour, and the economic implications of current policies, highlighting the importance of raising awareness and advocating for the benefits of metal packaging.

In this podcast episode, we delve into the latest advancements in the metal packaging industry, spotlighting Koenig & Bauer's new digital printing line, the MetJet One.

We welcome back popular guest Damian Pollok, Head of Product and Application at Koenig & Bauer! Pollok discuses the transition to digital printing, emphasising the machine's high-quality output and customer acceptance challenges. 

They address staffing difficulties, highlighting efforts to attract young talent and the role of automation in easing operational burdens. The episode also covers positive customer feedback, recent innovations, and a promising market outlook, underscoring the importance of adapting to evolving industry needs.

In this episode, we speak with Dr Nick Silk from Tata Steel UK about the company's sustainability initiatives, particularly the electrification of packaging steel. We discuss the industry's shift towards decarbonisation, aiming to significantly reduce carbon emissions by 2050. 

Dr Silk highlights Tata Steel's goal to halve the carbon footprint of tinplate products by 2030 and the transition to electric arc furnaces to increase recycled content. Despite market challenges, including tariffs and economic pressures, Tata Steel is committed to leading in sustainable steel production.

The episode underscores the importance of industry collaboration and government support in achieving these sustainability targets.

With over 35 years in the metals industry, Nick is an expert in steelprocessing and products and is directly involved in the £1.25 billion project to convert Tata Steel UK to low carbon footprint steelmaking.

Timestamps:
Changes in the Steel Sector (00:02:12)  
Electrifying Packaging Steel (00:03:05)  
Tariffs and Sustainability Concerns (00:05:07)  
Consumer Behavior and Sustainability (00:07:50)  
Electric Arc Furnace Benefits (00:10:59)  
Achievability of Recycled Content Targets (00:13:15)  
Packaging vs. Automotive (00:15:33)  
Sustainability Efforts in Construction (00:18:25)  
Innovation at Tata Steel (00:19:43)  
Market Challenges and Investments (00:20:38)  
Collaboration for Supply Chain Success (00:21:42)  
Industry Conservatism and Change (00:22:06)  
Material Compatibility Issues (00:22:29)  
Impact of Tariffs on the Steel Industry (00:23:24)  
Long-term Effects of Tariffs (00:24:04)  
Electric Arc Furnace as a Game Changer (00:25:12)  
Future Developments in Steel Innovation (00:26:24)

In this episode, Specialist packaging consultant Greg Molinaro discusses the art of sales in the modern era, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and trust with customers. He emphasises staying updated with technology and market trends, and suggests understanding customer needs before offering solutions. 

With 30 years of experience in industrial manufacturing automation solutions, Molinaro has successfully developed and executed global business development strategies, leading teams across three countries and resulting in an 11-fold increase in sales across North and South America. 

As the Director of Business Engineering, Molinaro focuses on relationship building, broadening business networks, productivity, and profitability to ensure customers receive the desired service and solutions. His experience in the Packaging, Food & Beverage sectors has equipped him to drive global initiatives and collaborate effectively with international stakeholders.  

We must give special mention to our sponsors PPG, their range of innovative solutions help protect and beautify the world.

In today’s episode we welcome Steelforce Packaging CEO, Davide Padovani. The Trump administration inauguration has created uncertainty and complications in the materials sector, particularly for steel and tinplate prices.

It's too early to say what the specific consequences will be, as the administration has announced partial retreats and exclusions for certain countries, but it’s that uncertainty that is causing some turbulence. During the interview, we unpack the potential consequences to the materials sector. 

As well as this, I talk to Davide about how the steel industry is striving to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly. He discusses the challenges of transitioning to electric arc furnaces versus traditional blast furnaces, and the importance of balancing environmental concerns with the realities of the industry. It’s an episode not to be missed!

*This is a fast moving issue. Content correct at the time of recording.

In this episode, we have a very special guest, outgoing Stolle Machinery CEO Gus Reall, who discusses his stellar career in the can-making business, the industry changes he has seen, and the future outlook for the health of the metal packaging sector.

He reflects on how the sector has evolved in the industry due to technological advances and the need for fresh perspectives.Gus also praises his successor, Michael Larsen, and highlights the industry's evolution, particularly the shift from a clear value chain to a more integrated global market. He identifies the post-pandemic era as the most challenging time, citing supply chain issues, inflation, and geopolitical problems.

He remains optimistic about the industry's future, especially in emerging markets like India and the Middle East.The executive also emphasises the importance of AI and collaboration within the industry, while noting the need for better promotion of metal packaging's benefits.

He concludes with personal reflections on his career and advice for the next generation.

In this episode, we welcome Helen Anderton, finance director for INX in the UK. In 2024 Helen was nominated for the prestigious British Coatings Federation Young Leader of the Year Award. The award celebrates exceptional talent for an individual under the age of 35. 

During this episode, we discuss Helen's unusual career path so far, what it means to be a woman in the coatings and packaging sector, and we discuss some of the key findings at the 2024 BCF conference, including how the chemical supply chain can promote careers and find future leaders. 

We also delve into the opportunities presented at INX and how the company is driving the next generation of talent.

Thank you to our sponsors, PPG Packaging Coatings. Their range of innovative and sustainable solutions help protect and beautify the world.

A bonus 'Can Sized' mini episode from The Metal Pack Pod, as we welcome back Jag Bains, vice president of Commercial, EMEA, at Ball Corporation.

We discuss what it means to be a woman in a male-oriented industry, and how the industry can do more to promote women in the packaging sector. 

Essential listening for HR professionals in particular!

We welcome Jag Bains, Vice President of Commercial, EMEA, at Ball Corporation   During this episode we discuss Ball’s Dynamark technology for its beverage cans in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

This upgraded technology introduces an advanced tier of printing capabilities, unlocking leading-edge features to deliver greater flexibility and enhanced value for brands.  

We also chat about some pertinent topics creating the headlines at the moment, including the health of the industry in EMEA and how Jag’s experience in other industry sectors is transferable into the canmaking business.