Tata Steel Nederland commissions Protact food packaging line

Tata Steel’s Dutch subsidiary, Tata Steel Nederland (TSN), has commissioned a new production line for packaging steel aimed at supporting more sustainable and regulation-ready food packaging applications.

The new line uses Tata Steel Nederland’s trivalent chromium coating technology, which replaces conventional chromium-based systems and aligns with upcoming European chemical regulations, including REACH. TSN developed the technology in-house and holds the patent. The company also supplies TCCT technology to other steel producers, positioning it as a reference point for sustainable packaging steel production in Europe.

According to the company, the new production setup brings the entire packaging steel manufacturing process onto a single site, improving logistical efficiency and reducing supply chain complexity. When combined with Protact, Tata Steel Nederland’s polymer-coated packaging steel, the TCCT system eliminates the need for customers to apply an additional lacquer layer. This, the company says, reduces chemical usage, lowers costs, and simplifies downstream processing, while meeting stringent food safety requirements.

Arne Hoogervorst, manager – packaging at Tata Steel Nederland, said the technology supports both environmental and workplace safety goals. He added that TCCT enables compliance with future legislation while offering customers a more streamlined and cost-efficient production route.

Steel packaging and circularity
Tata Steel Nederland highlighted steel packaging’s role in the circular economy, citing recycling rates of over 95% in the Netherlands. Steel packaging, including food and aerosol cans, can be repeatedly recycled into new steel without loss of quality.

The company noted that steel’s magnetic properties make it easy to separate from mixed waste streams, supporting efficient recycling systems. In food applications, steel packaging also enables long shelf life without refrigeration, helping to reduce food waste.

With the new production line, Tata Steel Nederland aims to strengthen its position in sustainable food packaging while supporting brand owners and converters preparing for tighter regulatory and environmental requirements.