The Metal Pack Pod

In the latest episode of the The Metal Pack Pod , we sit down with Meghan Barrera (Leader of the Global Strategic Marketing Group for PPG Packaging Coatings) in a live episode at the recent Metpack 2026 trade show. The metal packaging industry is currently navigating significant market shifts and macroeconomic challenges. On the consumer front, there is notable global growth in the traditionally f...

Ball Foundation’s Global Impact and the $2M Boys & Girls Club Partnership   Alex Fordham interviews Jessica Leary, Executive Director of the Ball Foundation –  Ball Corporation’s philanthropic arm ­– about its mission and recent work.   Leary, a 15-year Ball veteran who moved from environmental health and safety into social impact, says the foundation focuses on recycling, manufacturing educat...

The Metal Packager interviews Jasper Joosten about Intralox’s plans for Metpack 2026, described as the leading event for the metal packaging industry and a chance to reconnect with can makers and OEMs after three years.  

Koenig & Bauer Previes: MetalCoat 484 Premiere and Digital Printing Updates for Metpack 2026   Damien and Alex discuss Koenig & Bauer’s plans for Metpack 2026, highlighting the world premiere of the MetalCoat 484 coating machine aimed at high automation in metal sheet coating. Key features include a closed-loop system and, for the first time, automatic wash-up.  They will also display thei...

In today’s episode we interview, Sean Bannon Ska Fabricating’s New CEO on Packaging Automation, Talent Development and Market Trends   Alex Fordham interviews Sean, discussing his decade-long progression from engineer to CEO, and his support for a customer-close organization.   Sean describes how an engineering mindset shapes his problem-solving approach and Ska’s culture of creativity across team...

Welcome to our latest podcast on Young Packaging for Future Generations: Building Can-Making Skills at Ohio State   We interview Domingo Gonzalez from Better Cans LLC, about the “Young Packaging for Future Generations” seminar, created to build foundational knowledge in two-piece aluminium beverage can making amid retirements and potential knowledge loss in the industry.   Run with Ohio State Univ...

The global water packaging market is going through one of its biggest shake-ups ever. New regulations, economic uncertainty, shifting consumer expectations, and rapid innovation are pushing brands and packaging suppliers to rethink everything they thought they knew. In a recent episode of the Metal Pack Pod, two industry leaders from very different sides of the packaging world came together to dis...

Hyperion Materials & Technologies reveals its latest innovation — the DZ23 carbide grade — a major leap forward for canmaking efficiency, tooling durability, and high-speed line performance. In this episode of The Metal Pack Pod, host Alex Fordham sits down with Lluís Miñarro, the Global Segment Director for Can Tooling Products and Services at Hyperion Materials & Technologies, to explore...

In this episode of "The Metal Pack Pod," industry experts discuss the transition to 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 – An...

In this episode, we interview Eduardo Alegria, Global Business Director for Metal Packaging Inks at Sun Chemical. They discuss Sun Chemical’s new metal packaging colour library, developed with X-Rite, which aims to standardise colour communication and streamline production.  Eduardo shares insights on the evolution and resilience of the metal packaging sector, digital printing innovations, and sus...

In this episode, Michelle Garza from Anderson & Vreeland discuss the technology and industry practices behind photopolymer plates used in metal decorating for can making. The conversation covers plate-making processes (CTP and DLE), the importance of prepress, plate care, storage, and cleaning best practices. Industry trends, such as the growth of canned beverages and the need for skilled work...

In this podcast episode, we speak with Ajeeth Enjenti from Trivium Packaging about the company's latest developments and the metal packaging industry's landscape. We delve into Trivium's commitment to sustainability, market trends, and challenges like inflation and tariffs. Ajeeth highlights increasing consumer awareness of sustainability, the stability of the food can market, and Trivium's growth...

Recently our MD Alex Fordham appeared in the IMDPA's new podcast, 'Two cans and a string'. The episode dives into the evolution of industry coverage, the growing importance of engaging with different media consumption behaviours and how to best reach audiences.  From the challenges of staying unbiased in a tight-knit industry to the opportunities that come with digital publishing, this conversatio...

In this podcast episode, Jason Galley, Director and Chief Executive, of MPMA UK, delve into the current state of the UK metal packaging industry, focusing on significant challenges and changes such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), deposit return schemes,and tariffs. We discuss the industry's resilience, the complexities of packaging reforms, and the necessity for effective communication...

In this podcast episode, we delve into the latest advancements in the metal packaging industry, spotlighting Koenig & Bauer's new digital printing line, the MetJet One. We welcome back popular guest Damian Pollok, Head of Product and Application at Koenig & Bauer! Pollok discuses the transition to digital printing, emphasising the machine's high-quality output and customer acceptance chall...

In this episode, we speak with Dr Nick Silk from Tata Steel UK about the company's sustainability initiatives, particularly the electrification of packaging steel. We discuss the industry's shift towards decarbonisation, aiming to significantly reduce carbon emissions by 2050.  Dr Silk highlights Tata Steel's goal to halve the carbon footprint of tinplate products by 2030 and the transition to ele...

In this episode, Specialist packaging consultant Greg Molinaro discusses the art of sales in the modern era, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and trust with customers. He emphasises staying updated with technology and market trends, and suggests understanding customer needs before offering solutions.  With 30 years of experience in industrial manufacturing automation solutions,...

In today’s episode we welcome Steelforce Packaging CEO, Davide Padovani. The Trump administration inauguration has created uncertainty and complications in the materials sector, particularly for steel and tinplate prices. It's too early to say what the specific consequences will be, as the administration has announced partial retreats and exclusions for certain countries, but it’s that uncertainty...

In this episode, we have a very special guest, outgoing Stolle Machinery CEO Gus Reall, who discusses his stellar career in the can-making business, the industry changes he has seen, and the future outlook for the health of the metal packaging sector. He reflects on how the sector has evolved in the industry due to technological advances and the need for fresh perspectives. Gus also praises his su...

In this episode, we welcome Helen Anderton, finance director for INX in the UK. In 2024 Helen was nominated for the prestigious British Coatings Federation Young Leader of the Year Award. The award celebrates exceptional talent for an individual under the age of 35.  During this episode, we discuss Helen's unusual career path so far, what it means to be a woman in the coatings and packaging sector...

A bonus 'Can Sized' mini episode from The Metal Pack Pod, as we welcome back Jag Bains, vice president of Commercial, EMEA, at Ball Corporation. We discuss what it means to be a woman in a male-oriented industry, and how the industry can do more to promote women in the packaging sector.  Essential listening for HR professionals in particular! 

We welcome Jag Bains, Vice President of Commercial, EMEA, at Ball Corporation   During this episode we discuss Ball’s Dynamark technology for its beverage cans in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). This upgraded technology introduces an advanced tier of printing capabilities, unlocking leading-edge features to deliver greater flexibility and enhanced value for brands.   We also chat about some...

In today’s episode we welcome 3 of Sherwin Williams’ senior management team to discuss some of the pressing issues in the can coatings space, including recent EU draft regulation on bisphenols in food contact and how Sherwin’s valPure V70 non-BPA epoxy – non-BPA technology is preparing the industry for this legislation.     During the episode we speak with: Donald Le, the Global Household Products...

William Say & Co Ltd, the London canmaker, has recently invested over three quarters of a million pounds in its site, introducing new ultramodern technology as part of an extensive refurbishment of the factory’s essential equipment, some dating back to the early 1900s. Stuart Wilkinson, Sales and Marketing Director at William Say & Co, outlines to Alex Fordham the heritage of William Say a...

Roeslein & Associates has recently announced a significant expansion of its operational services for the can manufacturing industry.  The Metal Packager speaks to JC Harrison, Partner and Vice President of Systems and Operational Services and Robb Williams, Director of Operational Services, to find out the company's hollistic approach to can success and what the new expansion means for the ind...