Steel for packaging closes an exciting year of organizational changes and the adoption of the Proposed Packaging and Waste Regulation. Its new name and logo are a statement of intent about the circularity of this material. Adoption of CFPA by the end of 2027 is another challenge for the organization, which believes that increased competitiveness, restructuring and industry cohesion will successfully meet the challenges. Steel for Packaging’s immediate priority will be to work towards the elimination of landfill of recyclable waste, says Steve Claus.

How has your experience been in your first months as president of Steel for Packaging?
As I conclude my first year as Secretary General, the last twelve months have been marked by significant change across the industry and our Association. In March, as discussions on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) concluded, we welcomed Metka Cavka Luciani as the new head of EU Affairs, and in April, the Association celebrated the stricter recyclability measures backed by the formal adoption of the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) voted by the European Parliament (EP). These developments preceded APEAL’s name change to Steel for Packaging Europe. This change marked an important milestone in the association’s journey, symbolized by a dynamic name and a renewed logo, which captures the essence of steel’s circularity and its capacity for multiple recycling within a closed material cycle.

How do you assess the current state of the steel market in Europe compared to previous years?
The global steel market faces challenges, particularly due to worsening overcapacity, and to address this structural solutions are required to ensure that EU steel remains globally competitive. A robust steel sector is crucial not only to achieve the objectives of the European Green Pact, but also to foster innovation, sustainable products and cutting-edge technology.

Is there unity and the same pace or speed of recycling in the sector throughout Europe?
With a recycling rate of 80.5%, steel is the most recycled packaging material in Europe. There are also more countries than ever recycling more than 90% of steel in packaging. This demonstrates the advantages of steel’s unique properties and the collaborative efforts of stakeholders along the value chain to achieve a 100% closed material cycle. While other packaging materials continue to report only their collection rates, I am proud that our figures are aligned with this new progressive EU methodology, which reports what is actually recycled, ensuring accuracy and transparency.

How are environmental and sustainability regulations affecting the market in Europe?
These regulations, far from hindering, are driving change in the packaging industry. One prominent example is the replacement of chromium in the passivation of tin-coated steel (ETP) with a completely chromium-free alternative known as Chromium Free Passivation Alternative (CFPA). For decades, chromium passivation has been the global standard method for controlling tin oxide growth. Uncontrolled tin oxide can compromise coating adhesion and hinder soldering processes. However, the chromium passivation process relies on hexavalent chromium, a substance that is now being phased out in the EU/EEA under the REACH Regulation, which places emphasis on protecting human health and prioritizing environmental responsibility. To ensure a smooth transition away from chromium VI compounds, we encourage all supply chain partners to adopt CFPA by the end of 2027 deadline.

• To what extent are companies aware of the eco-design principles that should dominate steelmaking with a focus on recyclability?
  PPWR is likely to be a driving force for change in the packaging industry, pushing companies to adopt more sustainable practices, reduce waste from the packaging source and innovate. In the short term, compliance may come with challenges, such as higher costs and supply chain adjustments. In the long term, however, these changes could result in a more circular and sustainable economy.
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  Does Steel for Packaging plan to lead any sustainability-related initiatives by 2025?
  As detailed in our EU Vision Document, our legislative and sustainability priorities now are to work towards the elimination of landfill of recyclable waste, and to pursue more vigorously the implementation of separate collection of packaging waste, and to press for the development of legislation to support high-quality recycling.
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  The global steel market is becoming more complicated due to the tariff policies of certain countries, such as the one announced by the U.S. How could these changes affect Europe?
  Following the US elections and the recent political transition in Europe, Steel for Packaging Europe has endorsed the joint call of European steel social partners, supported by cross-party MEPs, for an EU Steel Action Plan designed to ensure steel’s competitiveness, facilitate the green transition and protect jobs across Europe.
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  How do you see the future of Steel for Packaging in the coming years, and what strategies are you implementing to adapt to an ever-changing market?
  Ensuring the competitiveness of EU packaging steel in global export markets will enable packaging steel to fulfill its role in helping to achieve the objectives of the European Green Pact and provide Europe with competitive technology and sustainable products.
• Is there fluid communication between Steel for Packaging partners? What is the industry’s main concern at the moment?
  Steel for Packaging Europe continues to work with stakeholders and partners along the value chain to further improve recycling rates of steel in packaging and promote sustainability and resource conservation within the packaging industry. At the same time, the EU steel industry is undergoing the biggest change since its inception, revolutionizing primary production processes and committing to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 with relevant CO2 emission reduction targets for 2030.