In conversation with Roberts Metal Packaging: Exploring the latest industry trends
The metal packaging industry is constantly evolving, driven by changing regulations, sustainability expectations and new customer demands. To gain a better understanding of the trends currently shaping the sector, we spoke with Chris Saunders and Kirsty Taylor from Roberts Metal Packaging. Drawing on their day-to-day experience and industry insights, they shared their thoughts on the developments they’re seeing across the market and what these changes could mean for businesses in the years ahead.
The new regulator reality
The conversation around sustainable packaging has never been louder. For metal packaging manufacturers, however, the challenge is no longer simply making products that meet customer requirements – it’s navigating an increasingly complex web of regulations, testing demands and supply chain pressures.
According to Chris Saunders, Managing Director of Roberts Metal Packaging, the biggest change to affect the industry in recent years isn’t necessarily a single piece of legislation. It’s the growing complexity of compliance and the related questions customers are asking as they try to make sense of the red tape.
From detailed sustainability questionnaires to requests for supply chain traceability stretching back to the origin of raw materials, manufacturers are finding themselves under greater scrutiny than ever before.
Many requests are becoming increasingly detailed, with customers seeking greater visibility into the lifecycle of materials such as aluminium. While some information can be challenging to obtain across the wider supply chain, Roberts remains committed to working closely with customers to provide the insight and support they need wherever possible.
While transparency remains an important goal, Chris sees these conversations as an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and help customers navigate an evolving regulatory landscape.
“Customers are asking more questions than ever before, and we’re always happy to support them by sharing our knowledge and helping them find the information they need.”
Food packaging on the rise
Beyond regulation, Roberts is witnessing major shifts in demand across end markets. Historically, personal care products represented a significant proportion of business. Today, that picture is changing.
“Demand within areas such as cosmetics and grooming has lessened but food packaging, nutritional products and health-focused categories are really growing, “explains Chris.
Products ranging from cake decorations to protein powders are creating new opportunities, driven by growing consumer interest in wellness, fitness and food applications.
At the same time, Roberts is seeing increased activity from smaller, entrepreneurial brands.
“We’re seeing lots of startups and challenger brands entering the market,” comments Kirsty Taylor, Roberts’ Marketing and Sales Manager.
“Many of these businesses are targeting consumers looking for natural, organic or independent alternatives to established household names. As more entrepreneurial brands enter the market, we are well placed to support their growth with packaging solutions that can evolve alongside their ambitions.”
Why flexibility matters
One of the clearest takeaways for Roberts is that its flexibility has become a competitive advantage.
From adapting to new coating technologies to responding to changing customer demands and supporting emerging brands, packaging manufacturers must be able to react quickly. At Roberts, this includes investing in new equipment and adapting production capabilities to support evolving customer requirements.
Chris comments, “As the market continues to shift, businesses that can respond quickly to change are likely to be best placed for long-term success.”
The next challenge: Steel tariffs
Just as manufacturers begin to adapt to one set of challenges, another emerges. Chris highlights steel tariffs as the latest issue creating uncertainty for UK businesses.
He explains, “The concern is not simply rising costs, but the unintended consequences for domestic manufacturing competitiveness and sustainability objectives.
“The additional costs associated with imported tinplate could ultimately encourage customers to seek alternative less easy to recycle packaging materials or import finished components instead, outcomes that are difficult to reconcile with the UK’s wider environmental goals.”
Combined with ongoing regulatory changes and economic pressures, the industry continues to face an increasingly complex operating environment.
Staying agile
If there is one theme that runs throughout today’s metal packaging landscape, it is complexity. Manufacturers are navigating unprecedented regulatory change, evolving customer expectations, supply chain pressures and shifting consumer trends — often simultaneously.
Yet despite the challenges, businesses continue to adapt by investing in new solutions that meet both compliance requirements and customer needs.
As Chris concludes, “For Roberts Metal Packaging, staying ahead means remaining agile, informed and ready to respond to whatever challenge comes next.”
