Factiva: "While the domestic steel industry is operating at less than 45 percent of its capacity, U.S. Steel's East Chicago Tin mill is running full out and at full staff.
United Steelworkers Local 5133 President Jason Hughes said there are between 340 and 350 hourly workers at the mill, including about 35 who have been transferred from the company's Midwest plant.
'The tin market is going good right now,' Hughes said."
Friday, March 27, 2009
Think Eye-Tracking creates online packaging game
packagingnews.co.uk: "Think Eye-Tracking has developed a web-based game that simulates the experience of shopping and tests the efficiency of packaging designs.
The program allows users to shop online in a 3D environment, while the system logs where the user has travelled and what they have picked up and purchased.
Reading-based research firm Think Eye-Tracking has developed the game as a tool for testing packaging design and store layout, to highlight products that would benefit from eye-tracking."
The program allows users to shop online in a 3D environment, while the system logs where the user has travelled and what they have picked up and purchased.
Reading-based research firm Think Eye-Tracking has developed the game as a tool for testing packaging design and store layout, to highlight products that would benefit from eye-tracking."
Study into sustainability in packaging
The Canmaker: "Packaging manufacturers are being invited to showcase their approach to sustainable packaging technology as part of a study launched by the UK’s Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP).
The project hopes to find and evaluate technologies across the globe that can optimise packaging and reduce resource waste throughout the supply chain.
Scope of the study will include packaging companies; ink, adhesive and coating suppliers; machinery suppliers; testing equipment houses; brands and retailers.
WRAP says it will study resource efficient packaging technologies which will include: packaging and product systems (incorporating primary, secondary, tertiary packaging); machinery; innovative systems (including distribution, IT etc); the reduction of waste within the supply chain and/or in the household; and the reduction of carbon impacts and consider other impacts.
A steering group has been formed comprising The Packaging Federation, BPF, PAFA, MPMA, CPI, British Glass, INCPEN, M&S and Boots."
The project hopes to find and evaluate technologies across the globe that can optimise packaging and reduce resource waste throughout the supply chain.
Scope of the study will include packaging companies; ink, adhesive and coating suppliers; machinery suppliers; testing equipment houses; brands and retailers.
WRAP says it will study resource efficient packaging technologies which will include: packaging and product systems (incorporating primary, secondary, tertiary packaging); machinery; innovative systems (including distribution, IT etc); the reduction of waste within the supply chain and/or in the household; and the reduction of carbon impacts and consider other impacts.
A steering group has been formed comprising The Packaging Federation, BPF, PAFA, MPMA, CPI, British Glass, INCPEN, M&S and Boots."
Canmaker Messages on Metal Packaging Sustainability
The Canmaker:
Question
· How does metal compare with other packaging types?
· What is the sustainability record for metal packaging?
· How many cans are recycled?
· Do cans have a low carbon footprint?
Answer
· How does metal compare with other packaging types?
* Cans are stronger than plastics and cartons, and provide better protection.
* Cans preserve and protect the product from damage, light, oxygen, extremes of temperature and attack from contamination.
* Cans are lightweight. No other packaging would be able to withstand the necessary heat processing for preserved foods with so little weight.
* Less secondary packaging is required for transportation because cans are robust......
UK’s Trostre said to be at capacity for tinplate
Factiva: "Corus’ tinplate operations at Trostre in the UK are running at more-or-less full capacity, according to non-Corus sources. The company, which belongs to India’s Tata Group, announced a year ago that it intended to remove 150,000 tonnes of capacity from its only UK site before the end of 2008, but this has not happened, the sources add.
While Corus declines to indicate current production levels, a spokesman tells Steel Business Briefing that last year’s plans have changed because of “better than expected demand for tinplate”. People tend to eat more canned food in times of economic hardship, sources say.
The weak pound is also helping exports, and “we are taking advantage of this window of opportunity,” the spokesman adds.
Demand for food cans is up roughly 3-4% year-on-year, and “once we move into the food and vegetable canning season, they’ll need every ounce of tinplate produced,” a local industry source notes. Depending on the weather, end-users expect to can more fruit and vegetables this year than last, he adds."
While Corus declines to indicate current production levels, a spokesman tells Steel Business Briefing that last year’s plans have changed because of “better than expected demand for tinplate”. People tend to eat more canned food in times of economic hardship, sources say.
The weak pound is also helping exports, and “we are taking advantage of this window of opportunity,” the spokesman adds.
Demand for food cans is up roughly 3-4% year-on-year, and “once we move into the food and vegetable canning season, they’ll need every ounce of tinplate produced,” a local industry source notes. Depending on the weather, end-users expect to can more fruit and vegetables this year than last, he adds."
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Eco-labels 'must be standardised', government report warns
packagingnews.co.uk: "Labelling of a product's green credentials should be standardised to avoid greenwashing, a government select committee has warned.
The Environmental Labelling report from the Environmental Audit Committee, published this week, followed the launch of the BRC recycling label by the food industry last week (18 March).
According to the report, the government should be prepared to legislate on universal labelling schemes and police 'green' labels. 'The proliferation of labels means we urgently need a universal scheme to help consumers discriminate between products on the basis of environmental factors,' said Colin Challen, chairman of the environmental sub-committee."
The Environmental Labelling report from the Environmental Audit Committee, published this week, followed the launch of the BRC recycling label by the food industry last week (18 March).
According to the report, the government should be prepared to legislate on universal labelling schemes and police 'green' labels. 'The proliferation of labels means we urgently need a universal scheme to help consumers discriminate between products on the basis of environmental factors,' said Colin Challen, chairman of the environmental sub-committee."
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The Packaging Indicator tool for eco-design
Envirowise: "Measuring the overall environmental impact of a packaging system can be difficult and time consuming. This web-based tool simplifies this task by allowing you to assess packaging and also compare different packaging options using a small number of pre-defined environmental parameters.
The tool builds an environmental profile of your packaging system using the following information:
-Types and amounts of materials you are using (or intending to use) in your packaging
The tool builds an environmental profile of your packaging system using the following information:
-Types and amounts of materials you are using (or intending to use) in your packaging
-Information on where the materials come from and how they are transported to your facility
-Data on volume of product and packaging"
-Data on volume of product and packaging"
South Africa Rise in tinplate price threatens canning industry
The Citizen:: "The rise in the price of tinplate posed a severe threat to the future of the canning industry, the SA Fruit and Vegetable Canners' Association said on Tuesday.
ArcelorMittal would increase the price of tinplate by around 70 percent from April 2009, the association said in a statement.
“ArcelorMittal also makes reference to the fact that this increase is based on a formula comprised of a basket of prices from a number of international markets to which the current rand-dollar exchange rate is applied.
“Irrespective of any formula which has been used to determine these price increases, the impact will see double digit increases across all canned foods,” the association warned.
This had resulted in an increase of between 45 and 55 percent in the price of cans by the association’s can suppliers.
“This will lead to significant increases in the retail prices of canned foods and this will be especially tough for consumers in the lower income bracket,” said Rudi Richards, chairman of the association."
ArcelorMittal would increase the price of tinplate by around 70 percent from April 2009, the association said in a statement.
“ArcelorMittal also makes reference to the fact that this increase is based on a formula comprised of a basket of prices from a number of international markets to which the current rand-dollar exchange rate is applied.
“Irrespective of any formula which has been used to determine these price increases, the impact will see double digit increases across all canned foods,” the association warned.
This had resulted in an increase of between 45 and 55 percent in the price of cans by the association’s can suppliers.
“This will lead to significant increases in the retail prices of canned foods and this will be especially tough for consumers in the lower income bracket,” said Rudi Richards, chairman of the association."
Monday, March 23, 2009
Directory of Tin Plate Users in India
Steel Guru: "'Directory of Tin Plate Users in India' is one of the top sources of information available on tin plate users in India. It is one of the most comprehensive and accurate directory of Indian tin plate users that have ever been published. This powerful report is your connection to the entire Indian tin plate industries sector.
Published in May 2008, 'Directory of Tin Plate Users in India' has been comprehensively researched and prepared, to bring you a fully up to date guide to India's rapidly growing tin plate makers. This report will be extremely useful to businesses that deal specifically with companies in the tin plate industry, consumable suppliers, raw material sellers, equipment makers and others."
Published in May 2008, 'Directory of Tin Plate Users in India' has been comprehensively researched and prepared, to bring you a fully up to date guide to India's rapidly growing tin plate makers. This report will be extremely useful to businesses that deal specifically with companies in the tin plate industry, consumable suppliers, raw material sellers, equipment makers and others."
Canmakers see no changes in Brazilian tinplate prices
Factiva: "Brazilian can makers are expecting no changes in domestic tinplate and tin-free steel (TFS) prices, as demand has shrunk since the first half of 2008, Steel Business Briefing hears from local can producers.
The demand drop is keeping prices unchanged in Brazil, in spite of output cuts of around 50% at CSN, Brazil's only producer.
Canmaker Metalgrfica Igua for instance, tells SBB prices are basically stable since September last year. Company president Rogrio Marins expects demand for cans to grow 14-15% this year,"
The demand drop is keeping prices unchanged in Brazil, in spite of output cuts of around 50% at CSN, Brazil's only producer.
Canmaker Metalgrfica Igua for instance, tells SBB prices are basically stable since September last year. Company president Rogrio Marins expects demand for cans to grow 14-15% this year,"
Japanese steelmakers see tough prospects of tinplate export
Steel Guru: "According to market sources, Japanese integrated steelmakers see tough prospects of their tinplate export deals under negotiation for April to June 2009 period shipments to Asian destinations.
As per report, the Japanese steelmakers are contemplating struggling to maintain flat prices to meet the existing settlements for January to March 2009 period shipments. But local customers as a whole look set to press hard for a price reduction. As a result, the Japanese steelmakers admit that the negotiations with their customers will take a fairly long time to reach an agreement. The Japanese steelmakers have a feeling that they may have to live with a price reduction of around USD 250 per tonne as compared with the terms of October to December 2008 period shipments.
In Asian destinations, tinplate demand still holds steady in applications such as beverage cans and sanitary c cans, while tinplate demand is falling for industrial use such as paint cans. In prospect is enhanced tinplate demand for sanitary cans in the April to June quarter marking the demand season."
As per report, the Japanese steelmakers are contemplating struggling to maintain flat prices to meet the existing settlements for January to March 2009 period shipments. But local customers as a whole look set to press hard for a price reduction. As a result, the Japanese steelmakers admit that the negotiations with their customers will take a fairly long time to reach an agreement. The Japanese steelmakers have a feeling that they may have to live with a price reduction of around USD 250 per tonne as compared with the terms of October to December 2008 period shipments.
In Asian destinations, tinplate demand still holds steady in applications such as beverage cans and sanitary c cans, while tinplate demand is falling for industrial use such as paint cans. In prospect is enhanced tinplate demand for sanitary cans in the April to June quarter marking the demand season."
Can we survive the recession? Yes we can
Times Online: "Baked beans for dinner? Maybe a little comfort sponge pud afterwards?
The recession is altering our eating habits, with staying in becoming the new going out and economising taking over from indulging in many households. And this, in turn, is fuelling an often overlooked sector of industry, The Times has learnt.
While large parts of heavy industry struggle with idle plants and short-time working, canmaking is on the increase. So much so that Corus has raised the price of tinplate — a key material for food and drink cans — because of an increase in demand of up to 50 per cent. The Anglo-Dutch steelmaker has also slowed down a previous plan to cut production at its only tinplate plant in Britain.
According to the Metal Packaging Manufacturers' Association (MPMA), the can industry's trade body, can output in the final quarter of last year jumped by 10 per cent and is continuing at the same rate this year."
The recession is altering our eating habits, with staying in becoming the new going out and economising taking over from indulging in many households. And this, in turn, is fuelling an often overlooked sector of industry, The Times has learnt.
While large parts of heavy industry struggle with idle plants and short-time working, canmaking is on the increase. So much so that Corus has raised the price of tinplate — a key material for food and drink cans — because of an increase in demand of up to 50 per cent. The Anglo-Dutch steelmaker has also slowed down a previous plan to cut production at its only tinplate plant in Britain.
According to the Metal Packaging Manufacturers' Association (MPMA), the can industry's trade body, can output in the final quarter of last year jumped by 10 per cent and is continuing at the same rate this year."
ArcelorMittal SA will hike tin plate steel costs by 79%
The Star: The cost of cans could rise by between 35 percent and 40 percent next month after ArcelorMittal South Africa told customers this week that it would increase the price of tin plate steel by almost 80 percent.
Graham Hayward, a spokesman for Nampak, said ArcelorMittal SA had notified the packaging group of the hike in tin plate prices as well as two other steel products used in packaging, which would increase in price by between 69 percent and 79 percent.
Hayward said steel made up half the cost of a can. He would not say how much Nampak sold cans for. Tins and cans were mainly used for beer and soft drinks as well as fish, fruit and vegetables, he said.
In a note to its tin plate customers, ArcelorMittal SA said it “will review the prices again after six months, for a possible adjustments from October”.
Geoff Feldon, the managing director of Metalix, which makes baking products, said the price of tin plate had increased by 17.5 percent last year, so the total increase in the year to April was 98 percent.
Sven Lunsche, a spokesman for ArcelorMittal SA, confirmed the tin plate price increases and said the hikes would take effect from April 1.
“The adjustment is based on a long-standing formula that comprises a basket of prices from a number of international markets – including the US, Germany, France, Italy, the UK, South Korea, Taiwan and China – to which the ruling rand-dollar exchange rate is applied,” he said.
Lunsche said the agreement with tin plate customers included an adjustment clause, which would come into effect on October 1 if the basket price of tin plate rose or fell by more than 10 percent.
Hayward said: “We don’t expect the price of tin plate to stay high for long. We expect a price reduction in six months.”
Nampak consumed about 90 percent of the tin plate produced in the local market by ArcelorMittal SA, he added.
Hayward said Nampak generated about 30 percent of its earnings from its metals and glass division.
Feldon said the extent of the increase made him think the steel maker was taking advantage of its “monopoly position” in South Africa.
ArcelorMittal SA had given Metalix, which employs 100 people, only 15 days’ notice of the increases in tin plate.
The level of the increase could result in buyers of bakeware switching from steel products to plastic products.
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