Metal must improve image, says Labb

But Tetra Pak had done a “tremendous job in changing the opinions and perception of people”, he claimed.

Labbé, speaking exclusively to Packaging News, said metal packaging had a strong story to tell about its environmental record and its ability to cut food waste, and EMPAC would play a key role in its promotional efforts.

He said manufacturers had reduced the amount of material used in cans by 5%, despite growing demand.
And he said metal was still well suited to food packaging in particular.

“In food, metal is the best barrier,” he said. “In under-developed countries, 40% of food is wasted. But the best-before date on cans is much longer than it says – you can rely on it, it’s there, it’s safe.”

Labbé said Impress, which celebrates its 10th birthday this year, was “green and growing”.

“If we grow in the way we are doing, by reducing our impact on the environment and protecting all this food waste in under-developed or developed countries, we are doing a great job.”

Taking these factors into account, he predicted a bright future for metal packaging.

“We have heard so many times that it’s the end of metal packaging,” he said. “But I don’t think that time is near. Like one of my old bosses used to say, when we produce the last can in the world we will switch off the light.”

He also said it was “up to the economy” to pay for the increases in raw material prices affecting metal packaging manufacturing.

“In 2005 we were faced with an unprecedented increase in tin plate prices. Then in 2006/07 we have had an unprecedented increase in aluminium. We just can’t survive if we can’t pass on those increases. It’s up to the economy to pay for it so the consumer pays.”

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