European metals groups merge operations

Beverage Can Makers Europe (BCME) and European Metal Packaging (Empac) have merged their operations to become Metal Packaging Europe. Members of the two organisations produce around 85 billion units every year for the beverage, food, health and beauty, household and industrial markets.

In a statement announcing the merger, the new group states that its structure will combine the best of both former associations, creating a more efficient and powerful organisation. Based in Brussels, Metal Packaging Europe will represent the interests of all members. The membership covers more than 450 manufacturing sites, employing more than 65.000 people.

“This is an historical moment for our industry,” says Martin Reynolds, vice president of external and regulatory affairs for CROWN Europe and chairman of Metal Packaging Europe. “Bringing all activity under one roof is an ambitious move that will allow the industry to develop and promote the multiple advantages of rigid metal packaging in an even more focused manner, particularly on unique benefits such as the permanent materials concept.”

Martin Reynolds will be supported by Colin Gillis (Ball Beverage Packaging Europe) and Francisco Rodrigues (Colep) as vice chairmen. Other corporate members on the board are Ardagh Group, ASA Group, Blechwarenfabrik Limburg, Glud & Marstrand, Huber Packaging Group, Massilly Holding, Sarten, Silgan Metal Packaging and APEAL, the association of European producers of steel for packaging.

Metal Packaging Europe says its plans include hosting industry commissions that will work on topics common to all sectors including communications, food contact, packaging legislation and sustainability. There also will be specific market-focused commissions for aerosol, beverage, food and general line.

“With the creation of one dedicated organization, we will punch our industry weight more effectively and ensure the one voice of rigid metal packaging producers is heard across Europe,” commented Gordon Shade, CEO of Empac and now of the new organisation.

“Through joint marketing, environmental and technical initiatives, we will continue to promote metal packaging to make it the first choice for consumer and industrial packaging,” adds Ellen Wauters, managing director of BCME, who will be playing a leading role in both the beverage and communications activities of Metal Packaging Europe.

The public affairs activity of the industry will be led by Lena Nover and will be a focal point of the new organisation. This allows members to take full ownership of the opportunities and challenges presented by the Circular Economy Package and beyond. As a permanent material that recycles forever, metal can make a decisive contribution to help close the material loop and support the creation of a circular economy.