Aust/NZ packaging company announced as first international Empac member

Jamestrong Packaging Australia & New Zealand has become the first international associate member of Empac, European Metal Packaging, the association that brings together European producers of rigid metal packaging and their supply chain partners.

The company was recently formed following the acquisition of Ardagh Australia and Ardagh New Zealand by Shanghai Yuanlong Investment Co, a major shareholder in ORG Packaging in China.

Jamestrong supplies cans to a wide range of sectors producing tinplate food, nutrition and aerosol cans alongside aluminium aerosol cans and bottles. With a head office in Melbourne, the company operates out of three plants in Australia and two in New Zealand, producing around 600 million cans each year. It employs almost 400 people.

“We selected Empac due to its clear mission to defend and promote metal packaging and the wide range of services it can offer our group. Additionally, Empac provides precious insights into European packaging developments, which impact our customers. Our industry can benefit significantly from speaking with one voice on key issues such as sustainability,” said John Bigley, managing director of Jamestrong Packaging.

“We are delighted to welcome Jamestrong Packaging to our organisation as our first international associate member. This represents another important step as we continue to grow and partner with major players from the metal packaging sector, even beyond European borders,” said Gordon Shade, CEO of Empac.

“We live in a global economy in which companies need to develop appropriate strategies to provide their customers with a comprehensive set of products and services. More than ever, Empac will continue its goal to ensure that metal is internationally recognised as a sustainable and unique packaging material.”