Metal Packaging: Expertise - The Link to Optimum Metal Packaging Manufacturing

More and more brands are expanding into the metal packaging industry – some by adding new plants and lines, and others newly entering the market. 

This unprecedented growth in aluminum packaging can be attributed to many factors, including:

• Consumer preference for sustainable packaging 
• Aluminum cans have become the packaging of choice for new beverage introductions
• Attributes of aluminum cans such as convenience, flavor preservation, and durability to name a few

With this increase in demand, never have global canmakers needed to ensure optimal can manufacturing production more so than now! 

The right product solutions are only half the formula to success. The other half is expertise! Canmakers should work with a supplier partner that has in-depth industry knowledge. By engaging in close collaboration, together they can improve their processes through sustainable product innovations, combined with technical expertise to maximize productivity, reduce downtime and scrap.

Let’s explore the possibilities across the metal packaging manufacturing line that process solutions and technical expertise can provide.                             

Selecting the Right Chemistry 

State-of-the-art surface treatments mean a highly efficient production process, enabling lightweight cans, minimizing scrap, and achieving optimal production rates.

At Henkel, our experts have a deep understanding of the challenges that are most relevant for our customers – and we use this knowledge to make sure we are always working on new solutions with the highest potential positive impact. Here are some examples:

• Post and Cupper Lubricants: Formulations enable process efficiency, lower rear-off rates resulting in fewer line stops, lower scrap rates and tool consumption, less bleed-through and aesthetic issues on the can finish
• L-FM series Lubricants and Coolants: With an improved biostable formulation it removed the need for tank side biocides to improve productivity and sustainability.
• Mobility Enhancers: Faster cans manufacturing along the line, enabling decorators to work at higher speeds. Improved Mobility Enhancers lower the recurrence of mis-feeds, and because these cans dry quicker at a lower temperature, companies save on energy, too.                                                                                                                                               

Start-up Support

Support shouldn’t stop at the delivery of the chemical solutions; it should extend into the operations. For optimum product performance, the internal canmaking team must be fully trained on the operating parameters. Knowledge transfer from the supplier team is integral, and is the first step towards preventing quality issues and ensuring lines are running smoothly.       

Digitalization

Control and monitoring equipment compliment any canmaking operation. Implementing the right equipment can improve efficiency, reduce water consumption, and identify and prevent issues before they arise.

A valued supplier should be able to recommend equipment solutions customized to meet your unique process needs.

At Henkel, our technical team delivers integrated equipment and chemistry support for the complete process lifecycle.

With over 40 years of in-house development and custom component integration we have know-how for full control and absolute dependability.

A Valued Partnership

An experienced supplier can offer canmakers a full product portfolio, alongside access to the best experts in the business. In doing so, they can help businesses reach their quality, innovation and manufacturing targets. If you’d like to find out more about Henkel metal packaging solutions and support, or to contact us, please visit our website.

About the Author

Aziz Mabrouki is Henkel’s Director Market Segment Head for Metal Packaging in Europe. 

With 23 years of industrial experience spanning the Metal Coil, Automotive, and Metal Packaging industries, his background includes building and leading diverse global teams and driving profitable growth through innovation. He offers a wealth of product expertise to both internal stakeholders and external customers.