Welcome to May!

From 17th – 19th April, history was made as Argentina hosted the Latin American Canmakers Conference (Latamcan) for the very first time. Regarded as the pinnacle gathering of the metal packaging industry in Latin America, the 2024 exhibition and conference exceeded all expectations. Canmaking professionals and suppliers from all corners of the globe convened at the Hilton Hotel in the captivating city of Buenos Aires for an immersive three days of networking and exploration of sector trends and innovations. In terms of attendance, this year’s Latamcan was record-breaking, with a total of 612 sign-ups and 108 exhibitors. The bustling exhibit hall bore witness to the event’s popularity, brimming with activity and engagement throughout both days. Read more about this years’ Latamcan here.

Steve Davis, global director of product management at Industrial Physics, discussed the development in EU packaging and waste regulations, and the potential consequences for can makers. The topics of sustainability and waste reduction have been climbing the agenda across the packaging industry in recent years. However, in accordance with the EU’s objective to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, new regulations have been proposed that will impact all industries, including can making. Find out more here.

You’ve been busy:

More than 10 million tonnes of furniture are thrown away in Europe every year and the demand for low-carbon, recycled products is growing. Hydro has challenged seven world renowned designers to design furniture made from Hydro CIRCAL 100R, the world’s first aluminium made entirely from recycled post-consumer scrap on an industrial scale. Industrial designers are important influencers of material selection in all industries. That is why Hydro has been part of Milan Design Week for years, where half a million people gather every spring to view the latest from the world of design. Read more here.

Unfortunately, canned wine sometimes gives off a pungent and unpleasant aroma of rotten eggs. Now, scientists at Cornell University report they’ve uncovered the source of this unappetising scent. Moreover, study authors add they believe it’s possible to do away with the aroma by ever-so-slightly altering canned wine’s formulation and packaging. Researchers explain that choosing the right ultra-thin plastic coating inside aluminium cans will go a long way towards improving the aroma of the beverages, as well as the overall lifespan of containers. The packaging used for many current canned wine products is prone to corrosion. Find out more here.

The Vienna-based Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) is leading a European Union project known as RecAL that focuses on sustainability, the circular economy and resource efficiency in the aluminium industry. RecAL, or recycling technologies for circular aluminium, aims to develop innovative recycling technologies and a digital platform for a circular aluminium economy. Read more here.

Stay tuned for all the latest news and insights from the Canmaking News team.

Janis Osborn

Publisher

janis@jaymac.co.uk