Driven by the global wave of sustainable packaging, tinplate – a centuries‑old packaging material – is experiencing a remarkable green renaissance. With Germany achieving a record 94.3% recycling rate and the advent of innovative steels that cut CO₂ emissions by 62%, tinplate packaging is proving that genuine sustainability does not require compromising performance.
I. Industry Milestone: Henkel Pioneers Tinplate Cans with 62% CO₂ Reduction
In March 2026, Henkel announced the full transition of its European tinplate can packaging to bluemint® steel from thyssenkrupp Rasselstein, in collaboration with Pirlo. The new cans achieve a 62% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to conventional tinplate, verified by TÜV SÜD.
“Sustainability is core to our strategy, and this concept proves we can meet ambitious packaging targets without sacrificing performance,” said Baptiste Chieze, Director of Marketing, Digital & E‑Commerce at Henkel. thyssenkrupp Rasselstein CEO Clarissa Odewald added that the collaboration shows how sustainability goals can be achieved along the entire value chain. The innovation uses specially processed scrap in the blast furnace to save CO₂‑intensive raw materials.
II. Facts and Figures: Tinplate – Europe’s Recycling Champion
In 2024, Germany recorded a 94.3% recycling rate for tinplate from private end consumption – a record high – with total consumption recycling reaching 92.5%, stable since 2006. Tinplate can be recycled infinitely without quality loss.
According to Metal Packaging Europe’s 2025 LCA report, tinplate production in Europe has cut emissions by 10%.
III. Policy Driver: EU PPWR Accelerates Metal Packaging Adoption
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), effective from 12 August 2026, requires that:
- From 1 January 2030, all packaging must be recyclable at A (≥95%), B (≥80%) or C (≥70%) levels; below C is banned.
- From 1 January 2038, only A and B grades (≥80%) will be allowed.
Tinplate, with its 100% recyclability and infinite loop, is ideally positioned. According to Stratistics MRC, the global tinplate packaging market is projected to grow from USD 792.1 million in 2025 to USD 1,239.1 million by 2032, at a CAGR of 6.6%.
IV. Industry Frontier: METPACK 2026 Highlights Innovation
METPACK 2026, held from 5–8 May 2026 in Essen, attracted over 350 exhibitors from 32 countries and more than 7,000 trade visitors – a record. Thyssenkrupp Rasselstein launched Rasselstein CUP for aerosol valves and Rasselstein D&I Solid for two‑piece food cans, enabling up to 10% material savings. The digital “Canculator” tool, using machine learning, speeds lightweighting design.
V. Outlook: The Green Future of Tinplate Packaging
With the implementation of the EU PPWR, growing consumer environmental awareness and collaborative innovation across the value chain, tinplate packaging stands at a pivotal moment of opportunity.
The industry is accelerating its transformation towards lightweighting, digitalisation and circularity. Water‑based inks and BPA‑free internal coatings are progressively replacing traditional materials, while closed‑loop recycling systems are turning used cans into new bodies. Thyssenkrupp Rasselstein has set a clear target to achieve climate neutrality by 2045.
Tinplate – a century‑old packaging material – is writing a new chapter in sustainable packaging through its inherently infinite recyclability and relentless low‑carbon innovation.
We welcome more partners to join us in writing a new chapter for the industry.
[Sources: Henkel, thyssenkrupp Rasselstein, Metal Packaging Europe, Stratistics MRC, METPACK 2026.]
Post time: Jun-22-2026