news views and reviews from Corus Packaging Plus To

news, views and reviews from Corus Packaging Plus - To Inspire Issue eleven 2005 Leading by example 1 Malcolm McOmish Protact 2 Answers to changing market demands Interpack 2005 3-6 Protact’s proven success DS Containers 7 2-piece Protact aerosol can The Buzz 8 Effectively using materials As an association of leading global material suppliers, we offer our expertise and resources to enhance and develop brands Sheer inspiration for spray products Packaging Solutions Advice Group Offers web solutions for brand owners 9 Amcor 10 Trial earns world ‘first’ for Protact Leading by example The past 12 months have proved a testing time for everyone in this industry. Everyone has had to come to terms with the dauntless rise of the Chinese industrial base and its influence upon world economies and the cost of materials, let alone all the widespread concerns regarding the costs of energy, transport and labour. Nevertheless it was so encouraging to see at Interpack in Dusseldorf, how the packaging industry is rising to the challenge, to meet the intensifying demands placed upon it from all directions. There was a wealth of innovative solutions exhibited, representing all packaging materials – with metal packaging much to the fore. Thanks to the broad international reach of Interpack, it undoubtedly also provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the performance of Corus Packaging Plus Should you have missed the opportunity to visit Interpack, then you will find this issue of our newsletter can bring you right up to date with all that we presented - from the Malcolm McOmish managing director, Corus Packaging Plus At Corus Packaging Plus we are at the vanguard of innovation with polymer-coated steel packaging materials. We believe the opportunity we took at Interpack to demonstrate how these advanced products have been utilised by our partners in the chain, will kindle new vigour in the market in the coming months and years. To lead by example is always a sound precept – and the examples we had to show were innovation in action, offering precisely the variety of solutions which our customers and partners in the chain depend on to make their products stand out. Our firm commitment to polymer-coated products is determined. That’s why we have reinforced our polymer-coated team which will now be led by the experienced Jaap Dunnebier who is very well known throughout the metal packaging chain, with Dr Wim van der Meer becoming Director, Product Market Development & Strategy. The team look forward to working with you to develop your packaging for the future. to visitors from export markets in growth regions throughout the world. advanced concept of the ‘Buzz’ aerosol to one of the eye-catchers, the Nicolas Feuillatte holographic champagne container. You’ll also find in this issue, news of our new website and publications. IISI figures show: steel cans are the most recycled packaging material worldwide The importance of recycling of steel material has long been recognised and Corus Packaging Plus has been at the forefront of many exciting and successful initiatives. Now the International Iron and Steel Institute’s (IISI) Committee on Packaging (PACKCO) has produced figures which demonstrate just how significant recycling of steel packaging can be. It has calculated that an estimated 5.2 million tonnes of steel cans were recovered and re-melted into new steel products in 2003. This represents a weighted recycling rate for steel packaging of 62.7%. The recycling rate for 2003 is 2% higher than the figure for 2002, and 5.2% higher than the previous year 2001. The steel manufacturing process demands recycled material to produce new products. Every new steel product contains recycled steel. This demand makes steel the most recycled material on earth. “The industry recognised the short life cycle for steel packaging decades ago. The industry has developed the programmes and infrastructure necessary to ensure that steel packaging was moved from the waste stream to the recycling stream with ease due to steel’s magnetic characteristic”, said Corus Packaging Plus’ Roger Steens,” who is also Chairman of PACKCO. For further information: www.worldsteel.org packagingplus@corusgroup.com The recycling rate is calculated from information gathered by IISI members in seven regions around the world. Recycling of steel packaging has been a high priority for the industry, and an issue that has been the focus of attention for PACKCO. “Steel can be recycled without loss of properties time and time again. This makes steel a very sustainable solution for packaging. Just imagine the potential savings if all materials could be recycled at a rate of 60% or greater,” says Roger Steens. Recycling seven steel cans saves enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for 26 hours 1 Safe. Versatile. Attractive. Corus innovates to meet changing market demands In an ever-challenging market, the pressures are on everyone in the packaging supply chain to address the changing market needs and to be in a strong position to meet fresh market demands. Differentiating market place “Brand owners, have also had to realise that they are acting in this more discriminating market place. They have recognised they are in a supply chain where the retailer has an important set of powers and where their brand has to compete with ‘private labels’.” “To succeed in this market means they too need a more differentiated product-offering to distinguish themselves from the other big players who provide the same sort of products.” “The packaging supply chains need to innovate strategically, to meet these demands, and those within it to work together to deliver innovation.” Corus Packaging Plus’ Marketing Manager, Roger Steens. a particular market segment provided the ‘reality’ that Protact is truly a resource with values that can be exploited.” Corus values “And this realisation about making it happen allows us to look at our own Corus Packaging Plus values - Initiate, Co-operate, Deliver.” “Initiate is both an invitation to others to initiate things with us, as it is for us to initiate from our own pro-activeness to strive for new things or try new ways, so it is as much an invitation as it is a commitment to move forward,” says Roger Steens. “Co-operation is essential for making it happen and delivering new values with steel packaging to the packaging chain.” The development of Protact polymer-coated steel – a packaging material that combines the best of both steel and plastics – highlights Corus Packaging Plus’ commitment to the packaging industry and working in partnership. A new Corus Packaging Plus brochure has been produced that focuses on all the qualities, benefits and values that Protact brings to the packaging industry. Marketing Manager Roger Steens has positive views about the impact that Protact is having on the supply chain …and it goes far deeper than being just another product. “We have all had to recognise that the ‘consumer’ as a single target market no longer exists. But at the same time, the ‘variety’ of consumers is increasing enormously – all different and distinguished by households, age groups, lifestyle patterns and so on. Consumption patterns are also changing because of changes within society,” he explains. “Corus Packaging Plus is not at the start of the supply chain but at the end of the demand chain. We realised we needed to be strategically innovative with our materials to allow others further up the chain to work with this resource and deliver the values the market now expects.” Strategic Innovation The introduction of Protact is a strategic innovation combining steel and plastic. This combination results in a new packaging material with its own core values that can be exploited to deliver all sorts of different values for the different segments. “Before the recent Interpack show, we looked hard at all the current Protact applications and the value it brought to the chain. We were able to determine the core values of this material – safe, versatile and attractive - and we looked at what these meant from a generic viewpoint,” explains Roger Steens. “At Interpack, examples showing how the product has been used in If you would like to receive the new Protact brochure send an e-mail to: packagingplus@corusgroup.com “We need to galvanise and consolidate this vision. I think it’s rather like leading by example. Once people see the applications and the opportunities they’ll say, ‘yes, if only we’d done that’, and perhaps do similar as well.” 2 Corus Packaging Plus at Interpack 2005 Protact’s proven success and world premieres of new packs Every three years at Interpack in Düsseldorf, the packaging industry seizes the opportunity to open its doors to the world, and let all those within the industry see what is new and exciting. Interpack 2005 was no exception, expanding its position as the premier global platform for the packaging industry. And of course Corus Packaging Plus was there to highlight its successes over the past three years by showcasing how polymer-coated steel is taking packaging into new dimensions. ‘Be Inspired by Protact polymer-coated steel’ – that was the powerful message from Corus Packaging Plus. At the heart of the Corus philosophy is the ‘To Inspire’ concept, and this was demonstrated at Interpack by the latest commercial developments with Protact and Ferrolite. Major brands were showcased, like Heinz, John West, Akzo Nobel Sikkens, Tesco etc. Several world premieres of new packs that exploit the unique opportunities of Protact were unveiled for the first time including the Protact 2-piece aerosol can and the Tripod direct seal packaging concept. purpose. Of course the Corus exhibition stand adopted this eye-catching imagery. Beneath a spreading canopy image of the flower and bee, individual displays depicted how polymer-coated steel solutions had been effectively implemented by various major brands in a range of diverse markets. The Corus team present welcomed many visitors on the stand who were interested in the solutions offered by Protact. Major brands inspired by Protact and Ferrolite The significant uptake of polymer-coated steels in packaging and Corus’ leading role was vividly demonstrated at Interpack. Corus stand a hive of activity Arriving at Interpack, visitors were greeted by a massive hanging ‘sail’ poster depicting the Corus bee and sunflower theme. This was the theme adopted for all the Corus Packaging Plus pre-show advertising. It reflects the company’s focus on working together through mutually beneficial relationships for a common “Major brands have recognised the unique benefits of our polymer-coated materials, Protact and Ferrolite, and the objective at Interpack was to show just how successful they have been,” explains Roger Steens, Marketing Manager. “And of course we hope that others will then be inspired by their example.” 3 “We wanted to convey how the Corus Packaging Plus values – Initiate, Co-operate, Deliver - were put into practice with each product on display. At the same time we were seeking to demonstrate how the specific qualities of the polymer-coated material – attractive, versatile and safe had been exploited for the various products.” Continues Roger: “However, we are not only able to show a range of commercially available applications made with Protact, we are also able to show new packaging concepts. The 2-piece Protact aerosol of DS Containers and the Tripod of Impress were launched by our customers based on the exploitation of the Protact values, and delivered through their co-operation with Corus Packaging Plus. This co-operation is just what we want and is very promising to see.” Nicolas Feuillatte champagne One of the eye-catchers on the Corus stand was the Nicolas Feuillatte holographic champagne container. Premium champagne producer Nicolas Feuillatte had been looking for a premium pack and Crown Speciality Packaging brought to their attention the opportunities that Protact Holographic presented. Tesco shaving foam “The holographic designs deliver an illusion of movement, creating maximum aesthetic appeal and point-of-sale impact,” says Roger. William Saurin salad bowl William Saurin confirmed their customers demanded the convenience of easy to open ends. This steel salad bowl with Ferrolite polymer-coated steel ring and Peel Seam™ peelable end provided the ideal solution. Akzo Nobel Sikkens paint Akzo Nobel had been dissatisfied with epoxy lacquered paint can rings due to corrosion, until Impress and Corus Packaging Plus developed the Protact paint can ring which enabled supply rationalisation, as the high protection against corrosion and engineered The Tesco shaving foam aerosol has a Ferrolite polymer-coated bottom which is tougher, thicker and has better formability. The polymer coating protects the bottom during forming and seaming, transportation and use in humid conditions. For over a decade major personal care brands and retailers such as Tesco have recognised the benefits and reliable performance of Ferrolite. The Protact salmon can is very versatile and exceeds all FDA and European Union food safety standards and this enables the same packaging to be used for global distribution. John West salmon can On the market for some years now, the Protact salmon can offers optimum pack integrity, combining steel’s unsurpassed barrier properties with PET to give the best food safe solution available. Interpack 2005 exceeded all expectations This was the biggest Interpack of all time attracting some 176,000 visitors from 106 countries over the seven days of the show. There were more than 2,668 exhibitors providing a huge opportunity to gather information and make investments. Visitors from around the world once again proved Interpack to be the industry’s global marketplace. Almost 86 per cent of companies interviewed rated the business results of the fair as very good to satisfactory. 98 per cent of visitors gave Interpack 2005 top marks. For consumers, the peelable end offers an image of freshness and modernity, as well as being safe and convenient to open. Corus co-operated with Crown to enable the use of polymer-coated steel on their end making equipment. Heinz baby food Heinz baby food cans made with Ferrolite are well established in the UK. The white Ferrolite for the easy-open end, delivers an hygienic and attractive appearance and stands out on the shelf. surface roughness of Protact allows the company to use one universal paint can ring. 4 Interpack 2005 Customer comments “Relative to metal packaging in South America, this is a mature market with a stable behaviour, competing with other alternatives such as carton and plastic packaging, which are the primary competitors. Consequently, new developments in tinplate are important to keep this business operational.” “Our main interest in Protact is to evaluate the application and performance of containers for sea products as well as corned beef, thus attaining a vast contribution in Lammert Kloostra, Commercial Director, Friesland Export, The Netherlands “Friesland Foods is a multinational company with a turnover of 5 billion Euros. We develop, produce and sell worldwide a wide range of branded dairy products and fruit-based drinks like Frico, Friesche Vlag and Coolbest.” “We came to Interpack especially looking for can innovations. We have our own can making factory with a filler department. We have known Corus for many years and we are a very loyal customer of Corus. We are looking here for new concepts and ideas. The Corus stand is all about less is more, so I think it’s very, very nicely done. I like simple.” “In Western Europe and the United States, the consumer now is more demanding and that’s a very major change, because for a long time this sector was very much driven by production. Consumer attitude is very important now, we have to imagine what the market is after. And if you want to be a real player you have to change your approach and have a pro-active attitude to the market.” “What we look to do is keep it simple and make our cans distinguishable from other competitors - that’s the main issue. There’s not a lot of money to go to excess so what we do has to be very clever …so this is our challenge for today.” “Our visit to Interpack has been a good opportunity to get acquainted with the new packaging and development tendencies, especially regarding further developed markets than ours, which are the final destination of most of the export business in our region.” “Within our market of decorative coatings we do not use polymer-coated materials at the moment - that was one of the new things I wanted to see. It is interesting to see how the holographic polymer-coated material has been used for the champagne can.” “The relevant markets of INESA are pertinent to each country. Chile’s most significant area, for example, is the seafoods cans market, in Argentina it is in aerosol cans, and finally in Uruguay and Brazil it is in corned beef cans. Likewise INESA has a relevant market share in other sectors such as fruits, paints, general line and easy-open ends.” “It is always interesting to learn about the supplier behind the supplier. One thing we realise with Corus there is a lot of expertise that is readily available.” “INESA employs approximately 1000 employees distributed in three plants in Chile, three in Argentina, one in Uruguay and a smaller one in Brazil.” “This Corus stand here is rather different, there are not so many products on it, more concepts and ideas. It is always nice to see when your trade name is shown and one of our Akzo Nobel products is on show on the Corus stand.” “INESA is a Chilean can maker company which concentrates its industrial activities in Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil.” “Interpack is an important exhibition for me. I have been to the exhibition many times in the past. When I visit, first of all I want to see if I have missed something happening in the market, and of course new developments are always of interest to me.” Guillermo Canales, Ceo, INESA, Chile Christer Svensson, Purchase Manager Packaging, Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings International, Sweden technology as well as quality.” 5 Martin Boaler, Group Sourcing Director, Impress, Paris “Interpack is the opportunity for the packaging industry to present itself and say ‘look this is a truly big industry’, which doesn’t always come across. This event emphasises just how big the whole industry really is and is a good way to catch up with people and see what is going on. It also emphasises the strong competition between different materials and solutions.” “I am a fan of the way Corus has started to look at the packaging of products in metal. As a metal buyer my focus is on the cost of the product but the value of the end product has increasingly come into my evaluation. Presenting the steel product in this way with more of a focus on the package and the usability of the package is a very good and innovative approach. Simply having tons of steel sitting around is not going to turn anybody on and Corus has presented innovative packaging that just happens to be steel based. That is a good thing.” “I am particularly interested in Protact and the polymer-coated materials. Corus has featured an excellent range of products and focused on the positive aspects of what we are trying to do with new packaging. The push should be on the extra things that we can do, and that is why I like the concepts and applications on display. The Nicolas Feuillatte champagne holographic can is a good example. I am amazed. I must admit that it is the first can I have seen with the application of the holographic material where the design has been well done. They have really picked up the reflective possibilities of the holographic material and made an effective package out it. This champagne can is different and classy.” Steve Thomas, Marketing Manager, UK Crown Cork & Seal, Food Europe “The Corus Packaging Plus presence is very impressive. The stand has a superb shape, very open and it’s really interesting to see that Corus has just concentrated its effort mainly on one product, Protact. What is really good is the brand names are highlighted with the actual products. There are some very key players here and that backs up what Corus is saying so visually. I think that one product concentration is quite a good idea.” James Jandora, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing, DS Containers, Batavia, USA “We are very happy to be affiliated with Corus in this project. Here at Interpack, Corus Packaging Plus has created the forum to hopefully make both of our companies more successful. Our 2-piece Protact aerosol is a very innovative package. While 2-piece container technology has been around for a very long time this is the first 2-piece polymer-coated container that will be made available in the US and also worldwide.” “This package offers the marketplace “The aerosol can is particularly interesting. What it says to me is Protact is now beginning to apply to a wide range of metal products. The message here is that it is now in food and beverages, aerosols and speciality packing. It really is reaching across all the packaging business and into new markets, new uses and new applications and that is good news.” “Protact started out in tops and bottoms for aerosols, lids and things like that but now its getting more sophisticated in terms of containers and different uses, which is really very good. I think it’s yet another example of the versatility of metal and what we can do. It’s the turn of metal to show just how versatile it is. We can make all sorts of shapes and with these new materials coming through, it gives us a whole new scope of things to come, it is a very exciting period of time.” multiple uses. While it is initially designed as an aerosol can with an aerosol dome opening, this opening can be retro-fitted by many closure types. In this way it can hold various products, like viscous products by putting a pump on it – or liquid fill like beverages or oils or, for example, infant formula. Again, by using Protact the can meets the United States FDA requirements, so it’s a perfectly suited package for the foods industry.” “In the future, after we have these first two lines in, we expect the market place to continue to demand this product and additional sizes will be offered. We have room in our plan for expansion.” “So the next decade is going to be exciting and again I think it’s going to take us beyond the aerosol industry because of the versatility of this Protact can.” “It’s thinking of the package for new markets because of the Protact coating. It’s a case of thinking outside of the box …or should that be outside of the can!” (Also see the DS Containers story on p.7) For further information e-mail: packagingplus@corusgroup.com 6 Innovation in action DS Containers unveils 2-piece Protact Aerosol Can Later this summer, the latest name in metal packaging - DS Containers - will see the completion of its brand-new 236,000 square-foot plant in Batavia, Illinois, USA. The new state-of-the-art plant will boast two high-speed production lines to produce 2-piece cans using Protact polymer-coated material from Corus Packaging Plus. The cans were showcased for the first time to the market at Interpack. These tin-free steel cans with an interior and exterior polymer coating will possess features that have never before been available in the U S. Headed by packaging veteran William J. Smith, the start-up company says the unveiling of the 2-piece polymer-coated steel can could be the most significant development in aerosols in 35 years. Production at Batavia will use technology developed for Daiwa’s successful ‘new bottle can’, which is made in Japan. Although DS Containers has initially targeted the aerosol market, its can is adaptable to any liquid or viscous product. The interior polymer coating is EU and US FDA- approved, and DS Containers is now working with closure manufacturers to accommodate multiple uses for food, health and beauty and pharmaceutical applications. Market tests conducted during the spring, showed the Protact 2-piece can scored substantially higher in consumer appeal when compared to the traditional three-piece aerosol can. DSC is currently approaching marketers and is citing innovation, product integrity and value, stressing a contemporary look, the lack of a side or top seam, multiple over cap options, eight-colour printing and other features. The DSC project has evolved under tight security. (DS is derived from Daiwa-Seikan; the latter is the Japanese word for can making). Daiwa is a worldwide leader in metal packaging, and has had technical assistance agreements with U S packaging companies over the years, but this is their first venture into manufacturing in America. Bill Smith, founder and CEO of U S Can Company, and before that executive vice president of American Can, has had a 30-year relationship with Daiwa and was instrumental in putting together the present partnership. He is now chairman of DS Containers. “We know marketers are, more than ever, looking to their packaging suppliers for innovation,” says Bill Smith. “We believe our 2-piece can is the ideal vehicle for anyone who wants to differentiate a brand and to bring something new to retail shelves.” “Daiwa and DS Containers initiated this project based on their existing successful ‘bottle can’ technology and Corus Packaging Plus contributed its polymer-coated steels’ expertise,” explains Jaap Dunnebier, Corus Packaging Plus’ Director Polymer Coated Products. “Corus Packaging Plus supported the development of the steel, the polymer coating and the tooling/can making aspects for this very demanding application that will deliver an exciting and innovative product to the American market.” He added that he feels aerosol customers, in particular, are ready for a supplier who will deliver quality and service, along with a superior package. He noted that the DSC arrangement is a unique form of what he calls ‘reverse outsourcing’, introducing foreign investment to the US to create manufacturing jobs for Americans. Polymer-coated Steel Versatile The 2-piece aerosol using Protact from Corus Packaging Plus is produced by DS Containers. It is a highly versatile can and while DS Containers is initially targeting the aerosol sector, thanks to the polymer coating the can is equally adaptable to other packaging formats and to any liquid or viscous products. It can accept numerous closure systems. Safe The use of Protact gives the can superior quality through its well-known corrosion protection and food safety properties through FDA and EU standards compliance. Attractive The seamless can offers high quality decoration, in a consumer-preferred design, protected against corrosion. 7 Sheer inspiration for spray products A totally new design for an aerosol that combines freedom of design, consumer safety and spray convenience Named the Buzz, this inspiring concept pack demonstrates Corus Packaging Plus’ determination to inspire packaging producers and users for high value spray products like exclusive deodorants and room perfumes. The Buzz gives the opportunity for shelf differentiation and delivers a new perspective on the steel aerosol can for delivering spray products, building on the aerosol’s convenient spray function to excite consumers’ expectations. Meeting all requirements For Corus Packaging Plus, the process had started by taking a fresh look at spray product packaging, and this had identified three key requirements to be met: “Developing and assembling the Buzz is • Differentiation • Spray convenience • Consumer safety • Ease of production The Buzz makes it possible to use fragile materials such as glass and plastics in combination with steel. The propellant that is required for the convenient spray function is held by the steel aerosol. The proven strength of steel makes the Buzz a very safe and trusted aerosol. Unique freedom of design “The Buzz combines convenience with a total freedom of design. A wide variety of shapes, materials, colours and decorations are available to create a unique look and feel. Imagine the differentiation on the retailer’s shelf and the unique consumer experience,” says Roger Steens, Marketing Manager Corus Packaging Plus. Now everybody can make aerosols that are different! Visit our website for the inspiring Buzz animation showing design opportunities: www.coruspackaging.com For further information e-mail: Sander Heinhuis, marketing project manager on sander.heinhuis@corusgroup.com simple. Its smart design widens the scope for co-operative partnerships for development and production. Eliminating the pressure requirements for the product reservoir gives new options for both the development of the reservoir and the filling.” A totally fresh solution was devised to meet these requirements and was provided by separating the functions of an aerosol, spraying and holding a product. One part, the plastic outer reservoir, holds the content and brings unlimited design potential, while another, the steel aerosol, provides the convenient spray function. All in one simple pack. Safe and trusted The nozzle mixes propellant and product via the Venturi principle, therefore no specific aerosol compatible product formulations are required. The outer, non-pressurised plastic container gives freedom of material and design. And last but not least, the standard steel aerosol with standard propellant, serves as a pressure cartridge. Some examples of the various shapes that are possible with the Buzz. 8 Packaging Solutions Advice Group offers web solutions for brand owners Advice about using packaging materials for the effective creation of brand equity is now available to brand managers through a new website developed by the Packaging Solutions Advice Group – PSAG. This vivid introduction indicates how the inventive use of materials and early involvement of materials suppliers in packaging design can be a direct investment in brand stand out, repeat purchase and hence directly affect the bottom line. The PSAG is a group of leading, global materials companies including Corus, Merck, DuPont Teijin Films and SunChemical. “As a group we are in a unique position to collaborate and offer wide-ranging advice, knowledge and information about our materials for packaging,” says Barry Ferne of SunChemical, and Chairman of the PSAG. Adds Dennis Vlaminckx, Marketing Project Manager of Corus Packaging Plus: “The PSAG was formed in 1996 primarily to assist designers, but in the past twelve months the group has refocused its services to address the concerns of brand managers and marketers involved in creating successful packaging.” “We want brand owners to think differently about our materials. The PSAG group is formed by complementary businesses. We have all got all the same goal that we want to attract more brand owners. Brand managers will be thinking two or three years in advance for their product development and we want to get involved in the early development of their products.” “The earlier we are involved in their decision on pack format, the more we can offer some possibilities that they might not have thought of.” Continues Vlaminckx: “As well as the launch of the website, we are also advertising in key trade press as well as direct mailing to brand owners. We’ve 400 relevant contact persons we will target soon and in September we have a big exhibition in Birmingham the Packaging Innovation Show - and there we will demonstrate in a very entertaining but also informative way, how you can use packaging steel differently and creatively.” The new site: www.psag.co.uk suggests the usage of materials in structural and aesthetic packaging developments, reveals technical innovations and provides preliminary advice about the use of specific packaging materials in the design process. It also acts as a prompt to encourage an enquiry, leading to a detailed response. The PSAG was founded in 1996 to offer up-to-the-minute information and practical advice about every aspect of the use and application of packaging materials. It is uniquely positioned to keep brand and marketing managers as well as designers up to speed with the latest developments. It offers expertise and advice on material applications, decoration techniques, pack structure, surface effects and shaping packaging solutions which give brands a competitive edge in the market place. As a collective resource, the PSAG members provide access to a range of leading-edge technologies. For further information check: www.psag.co.uk or e-mail: Dennis.Vlaminckx@corusgroup.com Recently PSAG has launched a media campaign. 9 The ‘Versatal’ can won the Silver award in the prototype can category at the 2004 Can of the Year Awards. Amcor trial earns world ‘first’ for Protact beverage can Australian trials of the first 2-piece beverage cans using Protact, Corus Packaging Plus’ polymer-coated steel, have proved a notable success. A team from Amcor, the leading Australian-based canmaker and one of the world’s largest packaging companies has been working closely with Corus Packaging Plus to produce the first sizeable production run of the prototype can under commercial conditions. Viable and robust process This ‘Proof of Process’ production trial was carried out on Amcor’s ‘DWI’ production line at Canning Vale, Perth, Western Australia. “We carried out the trial over two days in April to produce 100,000 cans. We wanted a fairly long run to prove the process was viable and it was robust,” says David Jones, Project Manager from Corus Packaging Plus. “It was a total success creating significant world firsts for can-making production.” Versatile material The 37.5cl steel can which has the name ‘Versatal’, uses Corus Packaging Plus’ Protact, the versatile polymer-coated steel. Corus builds on its long-standing experience with polymer coatings. Says David Jones: “Our core competence in this field is to optimise both the material and its processing. We realise this by combining our expertise in manufacturing the polymer-coated material with our customer’s expertise in making packaging that works. In this specific case, the coating has been tailor-made to suit the Versatal can.” “Secondly, the Protact cans offer greater flexibility to can makers when they move into new markets because the DWI process doesn’t require inside or external coating processes, enabling economic line capacities of less than 300 million cans,” explains David Jones. “Cans were produced off the front end at normal bodymaker speeds, batched through the washer to minimise fallen cans, and then Attractive appearance With the good formability and outstanding printing potential, Protact allows for a unique tailored surface in terms of gloss, ink adhesion and finished appearance. Protact offers can makers the potential to reduce costs in the production process, as new lines require significantly lower investment costs. At the same time Protact adds value to their business, at a competitive price in a market which until now has been dominated by aluminium. There are also major environmental benefits in terms of reduced waste and VOC emissions. Excellent teamwork All the cans produced during the Amcor trial met the specified quality and manufacturing parameters, delighting the Amcor and Corus teams who have worked in partnership on the project. “Amcor is a company committed to offering its customers the highest standards in innovative packaging solutions, reliable service and partnerships built on excellence – and with Corus Packaging Plus we have found an exceptional partner.” “It is important to remember that the cans produced in Australia are the lightest gauge steel cans ever made on a DWI line under commercial conditions, and also the lightest polymer-coated steel cans ever produced. These are real milestone achievements in can making.” through the back end at between 450 to 600 cans per minute,” explains David Houston, Amcor’s Project Leader. “The completion of the trial was the culmination of excellent work from the teams and they have to be highly commended for the work and the results achieved. The trial is considered a complete success. Amcor and Corus are now well positioned for further development of this can”. 10 New directors for product market development and polymer-coated products Dr van der Meer was formerly taking the lead in the Business Development function within Corus Packaging Plus IJmuiden, and before that responsible for the IJmuiden works-wide continuous improvement process, named IMPULSE. “My first impression is that Corus Packaging Plus is well equipped to execute and monitor our ambitious innovation portfolio,” he says. “In addition to a well equipped and world Dr Wim van der Meer and Jaap Dunnebier and suppliers to develop a sustainable future for steel packaging formats.” Jaap Dunnebier’s extensive experience in the industry will contribute greatly to the successful Polymer Coated Team which he now leads. Jaap’s in-depth knowledge of the operations and technology makes him the ideal candidate for this position. class research facility, the Centre for Packaging Technology, we have the right innovation-orientated culture. CPP’s Product Market Development portfolio has been strong over the past decade though I see some clear challenges emerging for the near future. The biggest one of which is linked to the Corus-wide lean enterprise initiative which very much aims at developing partnerships to optimise businesses through chain value creation. The challenge will be to identify how we best can team up with our key customers Corus Packaging Plus is the technological leader in polymer-coated steels. Jaap comments: “To take advantage of a number of opportunities that we see, the decision was taken to have a dedicated full-time team for this material. My team is responsible for Sales, Production, Logistics, Customer Technical Services and Technical Support and Recipe, they are all experts in their area.” Recently there have been some management changes within Corus Packaging Plus. Dr Wim van der Meer has been appointed Director, Product Market Development & Strategy for Corus Packaging Plus reporting to Managing Director, Malcolm McOmish. He was previously Manager Business Development. He takes over the role from Jaap Dunnebier who is Director Polymer Coated Products, heading the Polymer Coated Team and also reporting to Malcolm McOmish. New website for Corus Packaging Plus Information about Corus Packaging Plus products, services, and markets can now be found on our new website. Also case studies showing our latest innovations in Protact and Ferrolite polymer-coated steel. There’s also information about Corus Packaging Research and Space, our Designer Service. All CPP brochures, including this magazine and price lists, can be downloaded as PDF files from the site, as can details of our manufacturing locations. Have a look at: www.coruspackaging.com Plus Diary 2005 5 July 12 -13 July 26 - 28 July 8 - 9 Sept forthcoming events 22 - 25 June Propak Asia 2005 Bangkok, Thailand Designed and produced by Impact Design and Marketing, Taunton, Somerset, England. Global Emerging Packaging Markets London, UK Food contact legislation around the globe London, UK Propak China 2005 Beijing, China The Canmaker Summit (8 September Can of the Year Awards Dinner ) Barcelona, Spain Speaker: Jaap Dunnebier, Director Polymer-Coated Products, Corus Packaging Plus: Innovations in the Packaging Value Chain with Polymer Coatings Corus Packaging Plus Dudok House 3H16 PO Box 10.000 1970 CA IJmuiden The Netherlands Susan van der Steenhoven T +31 (0) 251 493 186 F +31 (0) 251 470 051 Internet: www.coruspackaging.com e-mail: packagingplus@corusgroup.com 12 -17 Sept 13 -15 Sept Drinktec / Interbrau Munich, Germany PET Strategies 2005 Atlanta GA, USA Please come and visit Corus Packaging Plus at Stand 65 27- 29 Sept International Aerosol Congress Athens, Greece 27- 29 Sept Packaging Innovation Show Birmingham, UK Please come and visit Corus at the MPMA booth (Hall 8, Stand 8388) or at the Packaging Solutions Advice Group (Hall 8, Stand 8180) Your news, views and reviews should be e-mailed to: packagingplus@corusgroup.com Care has been taken to ensure that this information is accurate, but Corus Group plc, including its subsidiaries, does not accept responsibility or liability for errors or information which is found to be misleading.