The Can Makers appoint new Chairman

The Can Makers, the industry trade body representing drinks can manufacturers in the UK, have announced the appointment of Marcel Arsand as the new chairman. Marcel, taking over from Martin Constable, brings over 10 years of waste management and sustainability knowledge and experience to the role.

Marcel comments, “It is an exciting time to be taking on the role of chairman of the Can Makers as we are seeing greater interest than ever before in drinks packaging. Brands, retailers and consumers alike are now more conscientious and looking for alternative solutions that fit into the circular economy.”

“I thank Martin Constable for his hard work and dedication as chairman over the last three years. I hope to continue to raise the profile of the drinks can as a sustainable pack format. As an infinitely recyclable material and with a 72 per cent recycling rate in the UK, the beverage can is the most recycled drinks container in the world. The can is a suitable pack choice for brands and retailers looking to improve their drinks packaging sustainability credentials.”

Having previously worked in the food and drink sectors in the UK and abroad, including Recoup, WRAP and DS Smith, Marcel is currently Sustainability Manager at Ball Beverage Packaging Europe. He has developed an extensive knowledge of packaging and recycling, and has taken part in ground-breaking research on methods of identifying and separating plastic packaging for recycling, as well as on new technologies that can increase the shelf-life of food products and therefore reduce food waste.

He has studied ways of developing new end-markets for recycled material and has developed online tools that encourage the design and manufacture of plastic packaging that is compatible with existing recycling infrastructures. He has also been involved in delivering sustainability strategies for both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Marcel has a background as a bioscientist, with two MScs – in integrated waste management and anaerobic digestion treatment – from Cranfield University in the UK. He is also a chartered member of the Institute of Waste Managers.