The new production line uses Tata Steel's polymer-coated steel product Protact. Thanks to an advanced internal cooling system, the boxes can be formed in a dry process without the need for emulsified water. This reduces energy consumption and lowers investment costs.
Hans van der Weijde, R&D Director at Tata Steel Nederland, stated: "Thanks to the polymer layer, there is no need to apply additional lacquer to the steel. This meets food safety standards and provides a more environmentally friendly production." Van der Weijde emphasized that lacquer coatings are still legal, but there is a global trend towards phasing out such chemicals.
The new production line also serves as a “proof of concept” where the company can showcase Protact steel on an industrial scale. Joris Essing, Marketing Manager for Packaging Steel at Tata Steel Nederland, stated, "We have strong expertise in dry forming. But we need to work together to make this technology viable on our customers' production lines."
This technology is already yielding results. The Protact tuna can, developed by Tata Steel and Spanish Grupo Calvo, requires less oil thanks to its polymer coating. This keeps the product fresh and easy to open. It also provides transportation advantage with its lighter packaging structure.
Steel packaging continues to be the most recycled packaging type in the Netherlands. More than 95% of all steel packaging used in the country is recycled and reused in new products.
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