In this episode of “The Metal Pack Pod,” industry experts discuss the transition chromium-free passivation (CFPA) of 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.