ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products

Online client newsletter | December 2023

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Beyond REACH

ArcelorMittal Europe enhances the sustainability of steels for packaging with new solutions

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ArcelorMittal Europe’s steels for packaging are amongst the safest and most recycled packaging materials available in Europe today. But did you know that ArcelorMittal is already taking the next steps to ensure our steels for packaging remain in line with European Union rules on the registration, evaluation, authorisation, and restriction of chemicals (known as REACH regulations)?

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One of the latest innovations has been the elimination of hexavalent chromium during the tinplate passivation production process. The new and innovative tinplate passivation system – known as the Chromium-Free Passivation Alternative (CFPA) – was developed in Europe by members of the Association of European Producers of Steel for Packaging (APEAL) including ArcelorMittal.

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Richard Lézé, Packaging CMO for ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products.

Almost all tinplate is passivated to control the growth of oxides and ensure the high-level performance of the can. Hexavalent chromium chemicals (also known as chromium 6 or Cr(VI)) have been globally used in the passivation production process for many decades. “There is no risk to consumers as the finished tinplate product is completely free of Cr(VI),” says Richard Lézé, Packaging CMO for ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products.


CFPA to replace standard tinplate passivation by 2027

The use of Cr(VI) is controlled under REACH. Since 2017 its use has been restricted to specific applications for a strictly limited time. Cr(VI) chemicals must be eliminated from the tinplate passivation process by 2027. To ensure a smooth transition for everyone in the value chain, it is now time to accelerate the packaging industry’s transition to CFPA.

Several thousand tonnes of CFPA have already been produced and delivered to customers for various applications.


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Several thousand tonnes of CFPA steel have been delivered to customers.

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ArcelorMittal’s industrial tinplating assets are being fully converted to CFPA.

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A BPA-NI coil coated CFPA tinplate offer for aerosol mounting cups is already available from ArcelorMittal Europe.

LTS – ArcelorMittal’s Cr-free solution to replace ECCS by 2028

The production process for Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel (ECCS) also involves the use of Cr(VI) chemicals. These are also subject to specific time-limited authorisations. ArcelorMittal Europe and our Global R&D team have developed a low tin coated steel (LTS) as a substitute for ECCS.

“LTS is the only 100-percent Cr-free alternative on the market,” says Quentin Benito, Product Development Manager for Packaging Coatings, ArcelorMittal – Global R&D. “ArcelorMittal’s LTS offer is currently being optimised to answer the different performance requirements of the market.”

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Quentin Benito, Product Development Manager for Packaging Coatings, ArcelorMittal – Global R&D.

New sustainable solutions ready for testing

To support the packaging industry, ArcelorMittal Europe is developing a range of Bisphenol-A Non-Intended (BPA-NI) coil coated products which are also free of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

“Customers who want to trial any of the innovations mentioned should get in touch with their regular ArcelorMittal Europe contact,” says Richard Lézé. “This is particularly important for potential CFPA customers as the clock is ticking on the use of Cr(VI). The deadline is 2027.”



Richard Lézé,
Packaging CMO for ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products.


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