The Metal Pack Pod

Hyperion Materials & Technologies reveals its latest innovation — the DZ23 carbide grade — a major leap forward for canmaking efficiency, tooling durability, and high-speed line performance.

In this episode of The Metal Pack Pod, host Alex Fordham sits down with Lluís Miñarro, the Global Segment Director for Can Tooling Products and Services at Hyperion Materials & Technologies, to explore how advanced carbide grades, global supply chain strategies, and customer-driven engineering are shaping the future of metal packaging.

Lluís breaks down:

• Why lighter carbide grades improve punch dynamics

• How tooling innovation reduces spoilage, energy use, and maintenance

• The real impact of APT / tungsten supply constraints on cost and production

• Hyperion’s expanded global footprint — including new US manufacturing facilities

• What canmakers can expect from the next wave of tooling R&D

If you’re in canmaking, tooling, operations, sustainability, or metal forming, this episode delivers real-world insight from one of the industry’s leading experts.
00:00 Intro & episode overview
01:20 Industry trends: sustainability, demand rebound & regional shifts
03:50 Hyperion’s role in global can tooling
06:00 Luis Minero’s background & passion for metallurgy
08:00 Why tooling innovations matter more than ever
11:00 Introducing the DZ23 carbide grade
13:45 Performance benefits: wear resistance, weight reduction & line efficiency
17:20 Understanding APT and tungsten supply chain challenges
19:55 How raw material pricing affects tooling costs
20:20 Hyperion’s new US production capabilities
22:00 What’s next for Hyperion and can tooling innovation

In this episode of "The Metal Pack Pod," industry experts discuss the transition to chromium-free passivation (CFPA) of metal packaging. The conversation highlights the importance of innovation, rigorous testing, and unified messaging to ensure a smooth transition, while maintaining food safety, performance, and competitiveness in a changing regulatory landscape. Our panel of experts:

• Eastman – Andy Morse (Tetrashield Business Director), Jake Goodrich (Technical Director)
• ThyssenKrupp - Dr. Heiner Schäfgen (Head of Technical Customer Services & CFPA Transition
• Sonoco Metal Packaging – David Hall (R&D Director)
• Sherwin Williams – Suzanne Bloom (Food Packaging Marketing Lead)

In this episode, we interview Eduardo Alegria, Global Business Director for Metal Packaging Inks at Sun Chemical. They discuss Sun Chemical’s new metal packaging colour library, developed with X-Rite, which aims to standardise colour communication and streamline production. 

Eduardo shares insights on the evolution and resilience of the metal packaging sector, digital printing innovations, and sustainability efforts, including bio-renewable inks and waste reduction.

The conversation also covers industry challenges, consumer trends, and the importance of clear messaging around metal packaging’s sustainability advantages.

In this episode, Michelle Garza from Anderson & Vreeland discuss the technology and industry practices behind photopolymer plates used in metal decorating for can making.

The conversation covers plate-making processes (CTP and DLE), the importance of prepress, plate care, storage, and cleaning best practices. Industry trends, such as the growth of canned beverages and the need for skilled workers, are explored. The episode highlights the value of proper plate handling to maximise lifespan and sustainability.

In this podcast episode, we speak with Ajeeth Enjenti from Trivium Packaging about the company's latest developments and the metal packaging industry's landscape.

We delve into Trivium's commitment to sustainability, market trends, and challenges like inflation and tariffs. Ajeeth highlights increasing consumer awareness of sustainability, the stability of the food can market, and Trivium's growth strategies, particularly in Asia and Africa. 

The discussion also covers the impact of global supply chain complexities and the role of technology in industry integration.  The episode underscores Trivium's dedication to sustainability and its proactive approach to market challenges.

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.