The Metal Pack Pod

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.

In today’s episode we welcome 3 of Sherwin Williams’ senior management team to discuss some of the pressing issues in the can coatings space, including recent EU draft regulation on bisphenols in food contact and how Sherwin’s valPure V70 non-BPA epoxy – non-BPA technology is preparing the industry for this legislation.    

During the episode we speak with:
Donald Le, the Global Household Products Marketing Director
Michael Sawayda is the Global Beverage Marketing Director for the Sherwin-Williams Packaging Coatings Division.  
Lynn Grega is the Vice President, Global Compliance and Technology Marketing at Sherwin-Williams.

William Say & Co Ltd, the London canmaker, has recently invested over three quarters of a million pounds in its site, introducing new ultramodern technology as part of an extensive refurbishment of the factory’s essential equipment, some dating back to the early 1900s.

Stuart Wilkinson, Sales and Marketing Director at William Say & Co, outlines to Alex Fordham the heritage of William Say as the only can maker left in London, and how the company plans to keep the company looking ahead.

Roeslein & Associates has recently announced a significant expansion of its operational services for the can manufacturing industry. 

The Metal Packager speaks to JC Harrison, Partner and Vice President of Systems and Operational Services and Robb Williams, Director of Operational Services, to find out the company's hollistic approach to can success and what the new expansion means for the industry.

A new report from environmental consulting firm ICF and the Aluminum Association, Pathways to Decarbonization: A North American Aluminum Roadmap, highlights potential strategies to dramatically reduce carbon emissions in the North American (United States and Canada) aluminum industry by mid-century.

Charles Johnson, president & CEO of the Aluminum Association, outlines this pathway to The Metal Packager, and how the metal packaging industry can also play its part.

Joining us is Mark Smyth, author of research company Smithers’ new report on the future of the metal packaging and coatings. In the podcast, Mark explains the findings of Smithers’ recent report into the 'Future of Metal Packaging and Coatings to 2029'. 

A friend of the show, having been a guest previously, we discuss the latest findings from the report and examine the key variables involved.

We also examine the recent downturn in the market, the causes of this and whether the industry is still on track for growth. 

Mark also summarises whether he is still optimistic for the furutre health of the industry. 

For more information on the report.