The Metal Pack Pod

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.

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 DirectorMichael 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.

Hello and welcome to the Metal Pack pod, the industry's leading podcast for the global metal packaging industry.  The Metal pack pod is brought to you by the Metal packager, the number one digital resource for the global metal packaging market with over 7,000 monthly users in over 150 countries globally, be sure to check us out on metalpackager.com.Today we welcome Damien Pollock, head of product and application at Koenig and Bauer Metal Print. During this mini-podcast episode, we look ahead to the rest of 2024 and what the industry can look forward to in terms of new innovations from Koenig and Bauer.But before we begin the episode, we must give special mention to our sponsors. PPG. We're proud to partner with you and thank you for supporting the Metal pack pod this past year. Their range of innovative and sustainable solutions enables its customers to protect and beautify the world.Now, on to today's show.

In today's episode we welcome Jason Galley, who is director and chief executive of theMetal Packaging Manufacturers Association.During this episode we discuss with Jason the state of play in the UK metal packaging sector.We outline the complexities involved in terms of EPR and how Jason plans to tackle a varietyof multi-layered challenges and opportunities facing the organisation in 2024.Beginning his career as a metallurgist at Carnaud Metal Box (now Crown Holdings Inc) and holding subsequent senior positions at companies including American National Can, Alcan Packaging, Aerocan, as well as 12 years at Ball Corporation, Jason has 33 years' industry experience in the metal packaging industry.He has worked across many steel and aluminium packaging sectors including beverage, food, pharmaceutical, household, and personal care. He also brings a wealth of experience in operations and sustainability.But before we begin, we must give special mention to our sponsors PPG, their range of innovative solutions help protect and beautify the worldNow onto today's show.

In the latest episode of The Metal Pack Pod, we welcome Intralox's Jasper Joosten, global account team leader for its container business for the CPG team.Before joining Intralox one year ago, Joosten has developed international sales and management experience in roles as a global account director and commercial director in leading OEMs for food processing, packaging automation and robotics and dispense solutions while working with the multinational players in the food and beverage industry globally.During this episode, we discuss Intralox's global expansion which includes a relocation of its European headquarters to a larger facility in Amsterdam. to accommodate current and future growth.The new facility allows for more efficient processes and enlarged production capacity by utilising very narrow aisles in the warehouse and increasing the production area by nearly 3000 square meters.This additional space improves set up for modular plastic belting assembly and fosters an environment for the continued growth of thermo drive and activated roller belt technologies.We also speak about the current state of play in the global container business. and Joosten has his views on the current trends we expect to see in the industry.But before we begin, we must give special mention to our sponsors PPG. Their range of innovative and sustainable solutions help protect and beautify the world.

In this slightly shorter episode, we are joined by Actega's Teresa Ramos and Roeslein & Associates' Martha Rojas. The pair talk about what it means to be a woman in a male-dominated environment and crucially, how the industry needs to do more to level the playing field for women in the industry. They also talk about how the industry seeks to future-proof itself for years to come, encouraging the next generation of women metal packaging professionals is essential, to ensure that the industry maximises a talent pool at its disposal.

In today's episode we welcome Davide Padovani, Chief Executive Officer of Steelforce Packaging.Davide is a dynamic leader with a solid foundation in business and a wealth of experience in consulting and entrepreneurial ventures. Born and raised in Naples, Italy, Davide's journey through academia and professional life has created a deep understanding of the business world. His career began in the field of consulting, where he specialised in working with food and beverage companies, amassing eight years of valuable industry knowledge.This experience not only deepened his understanding of the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector but also equipped him with the insights and skills needed to thrive in the world of business.His work history reflects his cross over from consulting to entrepreneurship, including starting up the Seal of Quality and The American Metal-Packaging Company.Since 2012, he took the helm of the joint venture, Steelforce Packaging, playing a pivotal role in its expansion and consolidation. During this episode we talk about Davide's journey within the industry as a fourth-generation family member within.The business, the rich history of Steelforce Packaging, and Davide's views on the latest industry trends across the whole metal packaging industry supply chain. This is a must-listen for industry figures looking to unpack the latest state of play in the canmaking business – enjoy!But before we begin, we must give special mention to our sponsors PPG, their range of innovative solutions help protect and beautify the world Now onto today's show.

In today's episode we have a special episode, as we welcome Meadow and DRT, fresh offtheir Gold awards at the recent Canmaker Summit.Most household products come in linear single-use packaging made of non-recyclablematerial. The Meadow Closed Loop Packaging System, with its infinitely recyclablealuminium can paired with a reusable dispenser, is able to deliver personal care productsand other consumables in a convenient and truly environmentally friendly package.The circular solution reduces the demand for virgin mate-rial, increasing PCR (post-consumerrecycled) content eliminating waste streams such as landfill, incineration and leakage innature.Meadow has sought collaboration with DRT, providing Meadow with an end manufacturingsolution that can be made at scale for the consumer market. The Daisy Top opening issimple to use, but its production requires aerospace precision to achieve reliability atindustry-standard speeds of up to 3,000 units per minute.In today's episode we host a roundtable discussion with some of the indivduals that havebrought this concept to life:From Meadow we welcome Meadow co-founder Nick Paget and from DRT Metal Packagingwe have President Larry Churchwell, Brandon Rinehart, Vice President Innovation and WillHoffman, Vice President Sales & Marketing.But before we begin, we must give special mention to our sponsors PPG, their range ofinnovative solutions help protect and beautify the world.Now onto today's show.

In today's episode, we welcome Alain Cagnard, Global technical leader metal packaging at Eastman. Alain began his career in the metal packaging industry back in 1994 as a lab technician for the Beer & Beverage internal spray and easy open-end market at Dexter in France which is now Sherwin Williams. He joined PPG, in various technical leader roles in France and Italy, developing coatings throughout the metal packaging supply chain. During his time with PPG, Alain also supported inks for metal packaging, twist-off caps and aluminium coil coating. In 2012 with Valspar(now Sherwin Williams), he was the Technical Director Europe for metal packaging coatings. After his executive MBA with HEC Paris in 2015 he worked in the titanium dioxide business with Kronos Worldwide. In 2018, Alain joined Eastman to help develop polyesters for BPANI coatings applications within the metal packaging coatings and is currently coordinating the global technical efforts for the metal packaging markets within Eastman's coatings and ink's division. During this episode, we discuss the growth of Eastman within the metal packaging sphere, an update on BPA and associated legislation and Eastman's Tetrashield, an Eastman proprietary polyester, which compares favourable with BPA epoxy coatings.

On today's episode, we are joined by Robert Bunting Jr.Bunting is the 3rd generation President and CEO of Bunting. Robert has beenwith Bunting for 16 years, serving in a variety of roles consisting of sales, product management,general manager, and now President and CEO Bunting® is one of the world's leading designers and manufacturers of magnetic separators, metal detectors, materials handling, magnetic printing cylinders, magnets, magnet assemblies, and magnetizing equipment. Founded in 1959 by Walter F. Bunting in Chicago, Illinois, the company has remained family-ownedand family-operated ever since. This podcast examines the future for Bunting and Robert'sambitions for the company in his new role.We hope you enjoy the episode

In today's episode we welcome have a very special episode as we welcome two special guests to discuss women in metal packaging.Hot on the heels of their lifetime achievement awards at the recent Latamcan trade show, we welcome Actega's Teresa Ramos and Roeslein & Associates' Martha Rojas.As two prominent women in the industry with distinguished careers, the pair talk about their journeys within the can making industry, what it means to be a women in a male dominated environment and crucially, how the industry needs to do more to level the playing field for women in the industry.In what is an inspiring and thought provoking conversation, this is a must listen for all within the industry.As the industry seeks to future proof itself for years to come, encouraging the next generation of women metal packaging professionals is essential, to ensure that the industry maximises its talent pool at its disposal.

Joining us this week is Kim Kizer. With a career of more thantwenty-five years as a manufacturing professional, Kim has been Vice President, Sales and Marketing of CCL Container since 2015.CCL Container is North America's leading manufacturer of recyclable aluminium aerosol cans, custom aluminium bottles, barrier systems, and other speciality aluminium packaging for global consumer brands.Through her efforts, the company manufactured more than 600 million containers and generated revenue in excess of $400 million in 2022. During the show, we talk about Kim's drive as a single mum, determined to “be self-sufficient, own a home, and give my family a good life.”Kim's tenacity, integrity, and “never taking no for an answer” has brought her continued success and serves as inspiration for today's women looking to get the most out of their business careers and life.Before we begin the episode, we must give a special mention to our sponsors PPG. We're proud to partner with PPG and thank them for supporting The Metal Pack Pod over thecoming months. Their range of innovative and sustainable solutions enables its customers to protect and beautify the world.Now onto today's show…

In today's episode we welcome Raul Martinez, Latamcan show director. During the show, Raul reviews the 2023 edition of Latamcan, and also looks ahead to 2024, where the show reverts to Argentina for the first time.But before we begin 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 Mike Mackay, managing director of Despray Enviromental. Mike is a world-leading aerosol recycling expert where his business and entrepreneur background spans over 30 years and been involved with over 10 start-ups.His passion for the industry has been founding and developing aerosol recycling to the world market, he is a co-founder of the world's most advanced recycling technology despray so we are in good hands today.Mike presents a thought-provoking interview on how aerosols affect our environment and how to make changes to the current methods of recycling aerosols to create a truly circular economy.This podcast will leave you thinking differently on the importance of aerosol recycling and how it can be accomplished with the industry and policy changes needed to make a major impact.

Rob Campbell has recently been promoted from divisional president of manufacturing to Chief Operating Officer (COO). Rob has over 33 years of experience with Roeslein, making him a natural fit for this vital role. As COO, Rob will be instrumental in streamlining Roeslein's processes and driving operational efficiency through working with Roeslein's three divisional presidents. During the episode, Rob outlines the company's recent internal changes, the company's continued diversification and he comments on the current state of play in the global container market. This episode is a must-listen for metal packaging professionals!

We welcome Dr Polina R. Ware, Global R&D Director at PPG in today's episode. Having started her career at 3M as an innovator, Polina is an avid predictor of emerging technology trends and white spaces for new markets. While at LANXESS Polina lead Urethane Systems business expansion from Hot Cast Elastomers to participation in the CASE market (coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers) as well as new product development in cold cast elastomers. Now at PPG, Polina is on a mission to protect and beautify the world through innovating to engineer out legacy toxic chemicals in metal packaging and developing environmentally friendly chemistries that support circular economy and sustainability.During this episode, we discuss the increasing importance of AI in business and how this is set to shape the packaging coatings sector in the years to comeAs our much-valued podcast sponsors, we're really grateful to PPG for supporting the show. Their range of innovative solutions helps protect and beautify the world.

Welcome to the Metal Pack Pod – the industry's leading podcast for the global metal packaging industry. The Metal Pack Pod is brought to you by the Metal Packager, the number one digital resource for the global metal packaging market.With over 7,000 monthly users in over 150 countries, be sure to check us out on metalpackager.com In today's episode we welcome Tim Clarke, CEO Europe of Enpack Group. During the episode Tim guides us through his journey in the canmaking business, and explains the growth of Enpack, which has seen the company expand into Europe. Aside from this Tim also delves into the important of smart technology in keeping the metal packaging business relevant in terms of business and manufacturing processes. But before we begin we must give special mention to pour sponsors PPG, their range of innovative solutions help protect and beautify the world Now onto today's show...

Introducing Larry Churchwell, President of DRT Holdings. Larry has held a number of senior management positions across the packaging sector, including as Global Marketing Manager for the Beverage Segment at Valspar, and Marketing and Portfolio Leader for its Equipment and Automation Division at Sealed Air Corporation. DRT Holdings is the pioneer in the development of the easy-open beverage and food packaging sector and has become a major supplier of easy-open systems, parts and tooling. Today, DRT consists of three divisions operating ten facilities in the US and Germany that employ over 600 people and serves a diverse range of markets. During this episode, Larry outlines the exciting new developments at DRT following acquisition, what sets DRT apart in the metal packaging sphere and he introduces its new strategic partnership with Meadow, which promises to bring true innovation into the personal care market.

In another Can-Sized episode of The Metal Pack Pod, find out what Roeslein has to offer at Metpack 2023. We interview JC Harrison, Roeslein's Vice President of Products and Operational Services.

In this can-sized episode of The Metal Pack Pod, we're joined by Jeff Niederst, Global Marketing Director of Beverage Coatings at Sherwin-Williams Packaging Coatings!Jeff speaks with us about Sherwin-Williams' current patents in the industry, its new ValPure V70 technology and how it will be shown at Metpack 2023.Jeff has been with Sherwin-Williams (formerly Valspar Corporation) for 29 years and spent 24 of these years in Sherwin-Williams' Research and Development group.Prior to be appointed to Marketing Director, Jeff was previously the European Director of Technology and also the Global Director of Beverage Technology for the Sherwin-William's Corporation.During his time in R&D, Jeff led major new product developments during the industry's transition to next generation technologies. Jeff is the principle inventor of Sherwin William's ValPure® V70 Technology, which is now the preferred NBPA technology for aluminum beverage cand and ends.He currently holds 40 technology patents in the Packaging Coatings area and has another 57 technology patents pending.Jeff majored in Chemistry and minored in Mathematics at the University of Pittsburgh where he earned a University Scholarship, Valspar Scholarship and Lord Scholar academic awards.

In this short but sweet episode of The Metal Pack Pod, we welcome guest Damian Pollok, Head of Product and Application at Koenig & Bauer!During the episode, Damian enlightens us with the latest product developments at Koenig & Bauer and how they are planned to be shown off at Metpack 2023.

In this latest episode of The Metal Pack Pod, we welcome Robert Nagtzaam onto the show!Robert speaks with us about Intralox's newly formed Consumer Packaged Goods team and the direction it's heading in, the origins of Intralox and its innovative technology and how Intralox has prepared for Metpack 2023.Before leading Intralox's newly formed Global Consumer Packaged Goods team, Robert headed the Intralox Global Canmaking team for 6 years.Robert holds double bachelor's and double master's degrees in both International Business as well as in Law & Finance. He completed his studies at Tilburg University in the Netherlands.

In this episode of The Metal Pack Pod we are joined by Christina Kleinpaß, Head of Project Metpack and Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen, as we discuss the return of Metpack on 2-6 May after a 3 year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Oliver P. Kuhrt has been CEO of Messe Essen since January 2014. The proven marketing and trade fair expert previously held various executive positions at the Cologne exhibition centre for over ten years and can look back on many years of management experience in the international tourism and luxury hospitality industry.Christina Kleinpaß, a qualified advertising manager, has been part of the Messe Essen team since 1986. Initially, she worked as a project assistant for various trade and public fairs. From 1994, she was in charge of international B2B trade fairs as a project officer, including METPACK since 2010. In 2015, Christina Kleinpaß finally took over the project management of the world's leading trade fair. She has a great deal of industry know-how and is excellently networked within the metal packaging sector.

For this episode of The Metal Pack Pod, we welcome Luc Brantjes, Tata Steel's packaging division director of sales, who is also APEAL's new President.Elected unanimously by the Board and General Assembly of APEAL, Luc succeeds Viliam Gašpar of U.S. Steel Košice. His role as the 13th President of APEAL has been effective as of 1 January 2023During the episode, we discuss Luc's ambitions for the role, and the challenges ahead for the association and the steel industry as a whole.

Joining the podcast is the Global Beverage Segment Manager for PPG Packaging Coatings, Dr. Robyn McMillan. Robyn brings a unique perspective to the packaging coatings business. Joining PPG in 1988 and working as a polymer research chemist for the first half of her career, she brings that scientific expertise to her current role, where she is responsible for growth, strategic planning, and brand owner outreach for the global beverage coatings segment. During the episode, we discuss the rapid evolution and innovation surrounding 2-piece beverage cans, and dive into Robyn's thoughts on trends surrounding the metal packaging landscape.

We welcome Ben Grant, Managing Director of INX International Company in Europe, to the show. Recently we were fortunate to visit INX's headquarters in the UK, where we were treated to a site visit and learnt about the company's market leading innovations in the inks sector. During the conversation Ben informs the metal packager on the key trends in the inks market, and what it means to be a part of INX International Ink Co. (Europe) on its 30th anniversary! Whilst producing this episode, INX UK was recently awarded a silver medal for a Sustainability assessment conducted by EcoVadis. Founded in 2007, EcoVadis has become the world's largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. This medal's recipients are recognised as among the top 25% of suppliers rated by the organisation.On 1 December, INX UK also won International Company of the Year Award at the recent Insider International Trade Awards 2022 - congratulations to the team!

In this latest podcast, we have industry experts Mark Smyth and Simon Jennings, discuss the latest pertinent issues within the industry. During the episode we discuss the Ball plant closures in the US, the advent of digital printing technology and more! Joining the show is regular guest Mark Smyth. Mark established his company MS Can Solutions in 2019, which is an independent packaging consultancy based in France. Prior to MS Can Solutions, his most recent position was with Ardagh Group as business development and marketing intelligence director, for metal and glass packaging. He is the author of The Future of Metal Packaging and Coatings to 2027, published March 2022. Our other guest is Simon Jennings of Nomis Consultancy. For 16 years he was employed by Rexam, where he was responsible for over 50 acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures. Since then he has been chairman of Pakistan Aluminium Beverage Company, chairman of GZI Industries and a non-executive director of Hulamin in South Africa.

We welcome Chris McKenzie, chief operations officer and chief marketing officer for SLAC International. During the conversation Chris shares his views on the latest industry developments including whether the aggressive growth we have seen in the beverage can sector is sustainable, and the on-going challenges to do with inflation and supply chain issues globally. Chris also shares some more information about the company's innovations, including the advent of its Digital Mini Line technology, which is taking advantage of the growing trend in digital printing.

Scott Breen from Can Manufacturers Institute updates our listeners on The Global Aluminium Can Sustainability Summit. This event brought together more than 100 leaders from organisations globally across the aluminium beverage can value chain to operationalise the decarbonisation of aluminium produced for can sheet and generate transparent information on recycling and circularity.

Joining the podcast today is popular industry figure, Jack Knight. Jack is certainly a larger than life character, popular with the industry for his zest for life and the inks market. During the episode, we track Jack's heritage within the industry and his take on some of the pertinent industry topics surrounding us at present.

We welcome Amy Ericson, PPG Senior Vice President, Packaging Coatings.Prior to joining PPG in 2018, Ericson was the president of SUEZ Chemical Monitoring and Solutions after SUEZ acquired General Electric's Water Services Company in 2017, where she served as president. While at General Electric, Ericson helped lead the organization's water purification efforts while managing the growth and profitability for the $1.2 billion business composed of over 2,700 employees.In her current role, Ericson is continuing her passion for mission-driven work with PPG in its efforts to “Protect and Beautify the World.”In today's episode we talk to Amy about the issues of the day including supply chain challenges, employing good people, and women in metal packaging.We hope you enjoy the episode…

Joining us for this episode is Mark Williams, managing director of Greenbank Technology. Greenbank is one of the market leaders in the design, development and manufacture of “Two Piece Can Making Equipment – and specifically can ovens, washers and dryers” with over 650 installations in 45 countries. In this episode Mark has an exclusive for us, as we learn of an exciting new industry announcement.

Joining us is Mark Smyth, author of research company Smithers' new report on the future of metal packaging and coatings. In the podcast, Mark explains the findings of Smithers' recent report the Future of Metal Packaging and Coatings to 2027. A friend of the show, having been a guest in 2021, we discuss the latest findings from the report and examine the key variables involved as we move forward into the post pandemic can making world.

Joining the pod is Marc Hoche - Vice President/General Manager, CarnaudMetalbox Engineering.Marc is a mechanical engineer by trade, after serving 10 years in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, he then went on to work in heavy industry, most notably for Caterpillar and Cummins. After gaining a Business degree and an MBA, Marc then switched industries in 2013, where he began his career at CarnaudMetalbox Engineering as Head of Sales. He led the global sales and aftermarket teams for seven years before moving into his current role in Jan 2021.In the podcast, Marc spoke at length with Alex Fordham about the company's capacity expansion on both sides of the Atlantic, the explosive growth of the metal packaging industry, and the current challenges with supply chain issues.

Joining The Metal Pack Pod are 2 special guests as we discuss another recently launched podcast – Amazing Aluminium, a podcast dedicated to engaging children in the importance of aluminium recycling. The podcast has been produced by the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation, and Fun Kids, a leading producer of audio and video content, online visual resources and experiential activities, reaching over 2,000,000 children and parents each month across the UK. During the episode we discuss the importance of engaging the next generation, and how the industry can benefit with new and innovative ways of promoting the industry.

We talk to Vobev's general manager Eric Cudnohoske about how Vobev aims to change the dynamics of the can making supply chain forever.

We welcome Chris Latham-Warde and Roisin O'Brien, who are Programme Managers for Every Can Counts in the Uk and Ireland respectively. We find out more about the great strides the organisation is making to encourage beverage can recycling in Europe. From terrific social media campaigns to on the front line action to speak at festivals, Chris and Roisin provide a terrific snapshot into how we can all do more to improve our circularity and we do find out why truly, every can does count.