Environmental demand gives metal edge over plastic, says Crown

"I have had lots of meetings to present innovation, and have been surprised that sustainability was on the agenda each time," he said. "I have been in sales and marketing for 15 years and I have never seen that before."

Sourisseau said Crown was fighting back against a loss of share to plastic containers, particularly in the paints and coatings sector.

"In the past 10 years, especially in the paints and chemicals markets, there has been a transfer to plastic," he said. "But I think we have reached the bottom.

"You need to have very safe packaging for dangerous goods and there is nothing better than tin plate. Plastic cannot compete with that.

"For environmental reasons, our customers and consumers increasingly prefer metal. This is largely because it is infinitely recyclable without degradation in product quality.

"Some years ago, it was the northern European countries that were more interested in sustainability, but now it's from Spain to Finland."

Crown also wants to extend the use of a new paint-packaging concept to western Europe after success in Finland.

The Clipper Can system features a plastisol-lined metal lid with easy-grip openings and has been adopted by Finnish paints company Tikkurila.

Sourisseau said the company would target the system at new markets, including the UK.

The Clipper Can, developed with Corus, is available in sizes from 500ml through to 20 litres, and is compatible with all types of indoor and outdoor paints, varnishes and coatings.

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