Tata Steel Nederland (TSN) has commissioned a new production line for packaging steel. With its own TCCT technology, the company wants to make the production of steel packaging more sustainable and fulfil upcoming regulatory requirements today.
Tata Steel Nederland has put the new line into operation at its site in the Netherlands and is using its proprietary Trivalent Chromium Coating Technology. According to the company, the process enables more environmentally friendly coating of packaging steel and already fulfils future requirements of European chemicals legislation. TSN is the exclusive developer of the technology, holds the patent and also makes it available to other European steel manufacturers.
Focus on sustainability, efficiency and food safety
The new production line combines the entire manufacturing process at one location and is intended to simplify logistical processes and shorten the supply chain. In combination with the polymer-coated Protact packaging steel, Tata Steel Nederland says it offers a solution that does not require an additional layer of paint on the customer's premises. This reduces the use of chemicals, lowers costs and simplifies further processing.
At the same time, the company emphasises the importance of food safety. The combination of TCCT and Protact fulfils the strictest requirements for contact with food. In addition, the new technology contributes to safer working conditions as certain chemical substances are not used.
Packaging steel as part of the circular economy
Packaging steel is considered one of the most recyclable packaging materials. According to the industry, more than 95 per cent of the packaging steel used in the Netherlands is recycled and returned to the material cycle. Due to its magnetic properties, steel can be easily separated from the waste stream, which facilitates recycling and contributes to the circular economy. In the case of food, steel packaging also enables a long shelf life even without refrigeration and can therefore help to reduce food waste.
Source: Tata Steel
