Three industry associations confirmed as event partners

With Europe standing at the forefront of many global regulatory decisions, innovation and sustainability, CanTech International is pleased to announce that Metal Packaging Europe (MPE), the Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association (MPMA) and Steel for Packaging Europe have joined the lineup as partners of CanTech the Grand Tour 2025 in Brussels, Belgium.
Metal Packaging Europe
MPE’s vision is to make metal the preferred choice for consumer and industrial packaging through giving Europe’s rigid metal packaging industry a unified voice, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers and national associations. The company proactively positions and supports the positive attributes and image of metal packaging through joint marketing, environmental and technical initiatives.
MPE represents the industry’s views and voices opinions in order for stakeholders to understand how metal packaging contributes to the circular economy.
Krassimira Kazashka was announced as the company’s new CEO in November 2023 and joins the Grand Tour conference as a keynote speaker. Kazashka has experience working for multinational companies, European associations, and the European Commission. In these prior roles, she developed an extensive understanding of sustainability, packaging and packaging waste, the circular economy, chemicals and food contact. Kazashka holds an MSc in Chemical Engineering, a European MSc in Environmental Protection, and an MBA from Vlerick Business School in Belgium.
Metal Packaging Manufacturers Assocation
The MPMA is a leading voice in the UK metal packaging industry, supporting and representing members’ interests on matters related to operational, regulatory and environmental issues. The work of the Association promotes the benefits of metal packaging and the sustainable attributes of steel and aluminium through education programmes, industry awards and relevant communication channels.
“The metal packaging sector is around a £4 billion industry in the UK, playing a significant role in innovation and sustainability. This impact extends globally, so we’re excited to be supporting CanTech International magazine and its CanTech the Grand Tour event in Brussels in spring 2025,” commented the Association.
MPMA’s director and chief executive, Jason Galley, will be delivering a keynote speech focusing on packaging reforms and circularity in general. Galley has extensive experience in the can manufacturing industry, having previously worked for Ball Corporation, along with Aerocan UK, Alcan Packaging and American National Can, and is passionate about educating the industry, government and the public about the circularity of metal packaging.
Steel for Packaging Europe
Founded in 1986, Steel for Packaging Europe represents the five major European producers of packaging steel: Acciaierie d’Italia AS, ArcelorMittal, Tata Steel, thyssenkrupp Rasselstein and U.S. Steel Košice.
Originally operating under the Association of European Producers of Steel for Packaging, (APEAL), Steel for Packaging Europe announced its updated identity in June 2024. The company’s secretary general, Steve Claus, commented, “With the European Union in the process of transitioning to a circular future, our refreshed identity positions our industry as an active contributor to the development of a sustainable packaging landscape.” Shortly after the company announced its new identity, it also confirmed a record recycling rate for steel packaging in Europe, standing at 80.5 per cent.
On its participation at the 2025 Grand Tour, the company commented, “We’re glad that CanTech the Grand Tour is finally coming to Brussels, and delighted to be supporting and speaking at this event, which offers a meeting place for metal packaging decision makers from across the globe. With some other great speakers already lined up, we can’t wait for you to join us there.” A representative from Steel for Packaging Europe will be announced as a keynote speaker in January 2025.
Other speaker slot availability remains limited, so book in now for a platinum package if you have industry or company insights you’d like to share with our global audience in Brussels. For more information, email events manager, Aimee Carnell, at [email protected].