Richard Lézé Appointed President of Steel for Packaging Europe
Steel for Packaging Europe SfPE has announced the appointment of Richard Lézé as its new president, succeeding Luc Brantjes of Tata Steel. Lézé, who is currently the Chief Marketing Officer at ArcelorMittal Packaging Europe, was elected unanimously by the association’s general assembly. With more than three decades of experience in the steel industry, Lézé brings a wealth of expertise to his new role.
A Seasoned Industry Veteran
Lézé’s extensive background in business area management includes international assignments in Morocco, Russia, and the UK, and he holds a master’s degree in business. His experience and leadership skills have played a pivotal role in shaping his career, and he now brings that expertise to guide SfPE through a period of significant change.
In his first address as president, Lézé expressed gratitude toward his predecessor, Luc Brantjes, for his strong leadership during a time marked by important developments in both the political and regulatory landscapes. Notably, Brantjes led the association through changes such as the appointment of key staff members, including Steve Claus as secretary general, and Metka Cavka Luciani and Anastasia Kelesiadou in EU affairs.
Key Priorities for SfPE and the Industry
Lézé highlighted the evolving regulatory landscape and the significant developments in packaging policies that are influencing the industry. He pointed out that the adoption of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation by the European Union has intensified the focus on industry competitiveness, emphasizing the need to align growth with sustainability and innovation.
One of his primary objectives in the coming months is to advocate for high-quality recycling and the promotion of separate collection systems across EU member states. He stressed that steel for packaging plays a critical role in achieving circular economy goals, conserving resources, and reducing emissions. This will be especially relevant as the EU Circular Economy Act is expected to unify circular economy policies and prioritize sustainable access to critical raw materials.
Furthermore, Lézé will focus on ensuring the EU steel for packaging manufacturing remains competitive on the global stage. He believes the role of packaging materials, particularly steel, in ensuring food security and preventing food waste must also be a key consideration as the industry looks to build a more sustainable future.
Sustainability in Steel for Packaging
As president, Lézé is committed to upholding the highest standards of environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance in European manufacturing. A significant example of this is the ongoing development of Chromium Free Passivation Alternative for tinplate, which aligns with the steel packaging industry’s sustainability goals by reducing harmful environmental impacts.
Steel packaging’s contribution to the circular economy is vital, and Lézé’s leadership will help drive the industry’s evolution towards greener, more sustainable practices. By focusing on recycling efforts, innovative product development, and environmental impact reduction, Lézé intends to guide SfPE in advancing its mission for a more sustainable packaging ecosystem in Europe.
