Abralatas 2025 brought together leaders from across Brazil’s metal packaging sector, creating the perfect opportunity to discuss the future of can coatings and the accelerating pace of regulatory change. At this year’s event, AkzoNobel Packaging Coatings showcased its next generation of BPA non-intent (BPAni) technologies for beverage cans – marking an important milestone in supporting the industry’s transition towards coatings free from materials of concern.
Driving an industry-wide conversation
A key highlight of the day was a presentation from AkzoNobel’s Dominique Fort, Key Account Director at AkzoNobel, who emphasized that after more than 50 years of stability in coating chemistry, the industry is now facing its most significant regulatory disruption to date. With regions and even individual countries taking increasingly autonomous approaches to legislation, he highlighted how fragmented global regulations demand proactive planning and stronger collaboration across the supply chain.
Dominique explored the complexities of changes and the importance of avoiding ‘regrettable substitutions’ – short-term fixes that can increase risks, costs, and resource demands. His future-focused perspective resonated strongly with attendees preparing for bisphenol restrictions and broader material of concern discussion.
Showcasing next-generation coatings
At the AkzoNobel stand, visitors were introduced to the expanded Accelshield™ portfolio, designed to help can makers and brand owners meet rapidly evolving regulations and future-proof their processes while maintaining the reliability and line efficiency they require.
The spotlight was on two of AkzoNobel’s key innovations:
- Accelshield 150: a waterborne BPAni coating delivering the flexibility, chemical resistance, and corrosion protection can makers expect from epoxy systems.
- Accelshield 300: the most regulatory-advanced and future ready solution on the market that delivers outstanding corrosion protection, flexibility, and sensory performance – with laboratory and brand testing showing improved flavor performance compared with earlier generation coatings.
The team also showcased the enduring Aqualure™ epoxy-based inside spray coatings, giving customers a full picture of both established and next-generation options in AkzoNobel’s portfolio.
A shared journey towards responsible innovation
The discussion throughout Abralatas reinforced the importance of industry-wide cooperation to confidently navigate the next decade of regulatory and technological change. With its growing suite of BPAni technologies, AkzoNobel is committed to helping can makers, coil coaters and brand owners prepare not just for today’s requirements, but for the long-term future of metal packaging.