Nippon Steel to boost tinplate

Japanese steelmaker seeks to boost demand

By Tom Stundza -- Purchasing, 2/27/2008 11:15:00 AM

Japan's largest tinplate producer, Nippon Steel, is working to win back market share from aluminum in the beverage can market, according to a Japan Metal Bulletin report posted by ITRI (formerly the Tin Research and Development Council). Nippon Steel supplies some 400,000 metric tons/year of tin mill products (both tinplate and tin-free steel) in a domestic annual end-use market of 1.1 million metric tons.

The Japanese tinplate market has declined from a peak of 2 million metric tons in 1991 as a result of declining demand for coffee cans and gift items. Nippon Steel now aims to regain a share for steel cans in the beverage can market, which is currently dominated by aluminum. Through the Japan Steel Can Recycling Association it is also promoting collection schemes through schools and residents associations.