thyssenkrupp invests in new state-of-the-art coating line

thyssenkrupp has approved the investment funds to build a new, state-of-the-art coating line for packaging steel at its Andernach site. As well as meeting the technical requirements for a new process to produce chromium-coated packaging steel, this will further improve health, safety and environmental performance. The new process will replace the current production method which, due to the EU-wide ban on chromium (VI) compounds in production processes, will not be permissible in the future. Coating with chromium is one of the key steps in the production of high-quality, printable packaging at thyssenkrupp in Andernach.

Strategic decision for premium producer in Andernach

thyssenkrupp’s Rasselstein plant in Andernach is the world’s biggest packaging steel manufacturing site. Through the tight-knit network of its German sites, thyssenkrupp pursues a consistent premium strategy all the way from its starting product steel through to end products such as high-end tinplate. The new coating line will further strengthen the thyssenkrupp subsidiary’s competitive position and make a major contribution to protecting people and the environment. “As a premium manufacturer of packaging steel, we take our responsibility towards our customers very seriously. As a reliable partner we deliver one of the eco-friendliest packaging materials,” says Premal A. Desai, CEO of thyssenkrupp Steel. “This investment is therefore clear evidence of our strategy to focus consistently on sustainability and the associated growth markets so as to safeguard the future of our business”.

Sustainable and competitive packaging steel from Andernach

On completion, the new coating line will be the most advanced production line of its kind and will set new standards in the areas of process reliability, quality, environmental protection and occupational safety.

As the most recycled packaging material, packaging steel has great potential for the future in terms of sustainability. For over 10 years now, packaging steel has been consistently exceeding the planned recycling rate targets in Germany. thyssenkrupp contributes to this by supporting the recycling of packaging steel in Germany – partly through its own recycling companies such as Deutsche Gesellschaft für Weißblechrecycling, and partly through cooperative ventures such as Blechverpackungen Stahl GmbH.

Source and photo: thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG