Steel for Packaging Europe (SfPE) has appointed Richard Lézé, marketing director of ArcelorMittal Packaging Europe, as the new president of the Association.
Richard Lézé was unanimously elected by the General Assembly of Steel for Packaging Europe and succeeds Luc Brantjes of Tata Steel. His role as the 14th president of Steel for Packaging Europe became effective January 1, 2025, in accordance with the Association’s biennial rotating presidency system.
Lézé thanked Luc Brantjes for “for his strong leadership over the past two years, which have included significant changes in the political and regulatory arenas, as well as important developments within the Association, such as the appointments of Steve Claus as secretary general, along with Metka Cavka Luciani and Anastasia Kelesiadou in EU Affairs.”
Steel for Packaging’s new president says the coming months will be among the most important in recent years for the industry, our Association and its members. “The adoption of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has intensified the EU’s focus on industrial competitiveness, as well as highlighting the critical need to align growth with sustainability and innovation. At the same time, the forthcoming EU Circular Economy Act will unify circular economy policies and prioritize sustainable access to critical raw materials.” he stressed.
Lézé stresses that steel production for packaging in the EU plays a key role in this context, contributing to achieving the circular economy objectives of member states, conserving resources and reducing emissions. In addition, he says, it maintains the highest standards of environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance in European manufacturing, as demonstrated by the development of the Chromium Free Passivation Alternative (CFPA) for tinplate.
The sector head has announced that its property for the coming months is to ensure high quality recycling, promoting separate collection systems in member states, while working to maintain the competitiveness of EU packaging steel manufacturing in the global market.
The critical role of packaging materials, such as steel, in ensuring food safety and preventing food waste will also require significant focus in the immediate future. Lézé envisions working with colleagues and stakeholders along the value chain to achieve joint aspirations for a more sustainable and circular future.
Richard Lézé brings 30 years of global steel industry experience to his new role as president of Steel for Packaging Europe. Most recently, he served as Marketing Director of ArcelorMittal Packaging Europe. He holds a master’s degree in business and his experience in business area management has led him to international assignments in Morocco, Russia and the United Kingdom.
