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.