In this episode of “The Metal Pack Pod,” industry experts discuss the transition to chromium(III) passivation (CFPA) in metal packaging. The conversation highlights the importance of innovation, rigorous testing, and unified messaging to ensure a smooth transition, while maintaining food safety, performance, and competitiveness in a changing regulatory landscape. Our panel of experts:

• Eastman – Andy Morse (Tetrashield Business Director),Jake Goodrich (Technical Director)
• ThyssenKrupp – Dr. Heiner Schäfgen (Head of Technical Customer Services & CFPA Transition)
• Sonoco Metal Packaging – David Hall (R&D Director)
• Sherwin Williams – Suzanne Bloom (Food Packaging Marketing Lead)

Timestamps

Introduction and Panel Overview (00:00:07) Host introduces the podcast, episode topic, and expert panelists discussing the transition to chromium(III) passivation (CFP).

Eastman’s Perspective on CFP Transition (00:02:32) Jake Goodrich and Andy Morse from Eastman discuss challenges, resin development, and removal of materials of concern like BPA.

Can Makers’ Challenges and Industry Conservatism (00:04:41) David Hall explains the impact of CFP on can manufacturing, food safety, and the conservative nature of the industry.

Raw Materials Supplier’s Viewpoint (00:07:17)Dr. Heiner Schäfgen from ThyssenKrupp shares the historical context and technical challenges of replacing chromium in tinplate.

Coatings Industry Update – Sherwin Williams (00:10:21) Suzanne Bloom discusses coating performance, R&D efforts, and specific challenges with gold coatings over CFP.

Importance of Pretreatment and Barriers to CFP Adoption (00:12:02) Discussion on how pretreatment affects coating performance and the main barriers to CFP implementation.

Qualification, Testing, and Regulatory Timelines (00:15:22) Panelists discuss the need for extensive pack testing, misconceptions, and the lengthy qualification process.

Market Competition and Global Regulatory Differences (00:20:50) David Hall highlights cost pressures, global competition, and the threat from non-European suppliers.

Global Adoption and Ongoing Challenges (00:23:47) Heiner Schagen addresses global market trends, ongoing technical challenges, and the importance of quality and service.

Industry Readiness and Remaining Hurdles (00:29:38) Discussion on industry preparedness, ongoing tests, and the need for further progress before full CFP adoption.

Multiple Regulatory Changes and Industry Adaptation (00:33:20) Eastman team discusses the complexity of simultaneous regulatory changes (BPA, CFP) and their support for faster adaptation.

Leveraging AI and Data Analytics in Resin Development (00:36:33) Eastman explains how AI and machine learning are used in resin and formulation development for CFP solutions.

Communication Challenges and Public Perception (00:40:14) Panelists discuss the role of social media, public concerns about BPA, and the need for better industry communication.

Performance Trade-offs and Safety Assurance (00:42:08) Discussion on the difficulty of replacing robust legacy systems, ensuring food safety, and the collaborative approach required.

Marketing Metal Packaging and Consumer Education (00:44:53) Panelists reflect on the industry’s struggle to communicate the benefits of metal packaging versus competing formats.

Summary of Progress and Next Steps for CFP (00:47:53) Eastman and others summarize industry progress, emphasize collaboration, and outline the need for more success stories. Need for Standardized Testing and Confidence Building (00:52:26)

Heiner Schagen calls for unified test procedures and more confidence in CFP products across different applications.

Final Thoughts and Remaining Gaps (00:54:39) David Hall summarises remaining technical gaps, market challenges, and the need for continued supply chain collaboration.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways (00:59:05) Host wraps up, emphasizing collaboration and communication as keys to successful CFP implementation.