Tata Steel Nederland launches dry-forming can-making line to advance sustainable packaging

NETHERLANDS — Tata Steel Nederland has unveiled a groundbreaking dry-forming can-making machine at its R&D centre, marking a significant step toward resource-efficient packaging production.

The new technology eliminates the need for emulsified water typically used for cooling in can-making, significantly reducing energy consumption and offering a more sustainable manufacturing alternative.

Now fully operational, the machine serves as a proof of concept and reflects Tata Steel’s ambition to reshape the future of food-grade packaging through innovation and circular design.

The line can produce up to 400 cans per minute — 25% higher than the industry standard of 320 — while using tin-free, polymer-coated steel.

“The big difference between existing can-making machines and our solution is the use of tin-free polymer-coated material,” said Joris Essing, Marketing Manager at Tata Steel Nederland.

“This coating enables us to adopt a dry can-making process, made possible by internally cooled tooling. It delivers not only environmental benefits but also significantly lowers capital expenditure.”

The machine uses Protact, Tata Steel’s patented polymer-coated steel, which simplifies food-safe can manufacturing by eliminating the need for lacquer coatings.

Traditional lacquers, often containing complex chemical components, pose potential food safety risks — a challenge Protact circumvents with its cleaner, simplified chemistry.

According to Hans van der Weijde, Director of R&D at Tata Steel Nederland, “The polymer layer ensures cans meet all future food safety standards. With regulations moving toward phasing out chemical coatings like lacquer, Protact provides a forward-looking solution.”

While Tata Steel does not intend to commercially produce cans, the company invites customers to witness the process in action and collaborate to adapt it for their own operations.

“We’re a materials supplier, not a can-maker. But by combining our polymer-coated material and the dry-forming process, we’re offering a blueprint for the future of can-making,” said Essing.

The dry-forming process has already been successfully applied through a partnership with Grupo Calvo for tuna cans, demonstrating improved product preservation and transport efficiency.

Aligned with its broader sustainability goals, Tata Steel plans to reduce CO₂ emissions by 40% by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2045.

The company is also ramping up circularity efforts, targeting an increase in steel scrap usage from 17% to 30%.

Steel packaging already enjoys top recycling rates in the Netherlands, with over 95% of steel cans recycled — reinforcing its role in a sustainable packaging ecosystem.

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