What Steelforce Packaging does

Steelforce Packaging (legal entity SteelForce Packaging B.V.) is the dedicated metal-packaging division of Belgian steel trader Steelforce Group, launched in 2011 and headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium. The company sources, processes, and distributes steel and aluminum raw materials used by packaging manufacturers, positioning itself as the largest non-producing global seller of raw materials for metal packaging. Its product portfolio spans Electrolytic Tinplate (ETP), Tin Free Steel (TFS), Tin Mill Black Plate (TMBP), Laminated Steel, Cold Rolled Sheet, Galvanized Steel, Lithographed and Lacquered products, and aluminum (foils, canstock, billets, recycled streams), supported by two processing plants in Barranquilla, Colombia and a network of 57 warehouses, 36 strategic warehousing locations, and 29 ports and distribution points across 22 countries and 4 regions. Two sub-brands anchor recent product strategy: EN-FINITY, a low-carbon EAF-based steel line with a verified 90% CO2 reduction, and ALLUMFORCE, a dedicated aluminum business unit.

Name

Steelforce Packaging

Legal name

SteelForce Packaging B.V.

Website

https://steelforcepackaging.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Steelforce Packaging is the Antwerp-based metal packaging raw materials division of Steelforce Group, sourcing, processing, and distributing tinplate, TFS, aluminum, and specialty steel to global packaging converters across 100+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Metal Packaging Raw Materials

NAICS

Metal Service Centers and Other Metal Merchant Wholesalers (423510), Rolling and Drawing of Purchased Steel (33122)

akta.pro primary industry

Steel Products Trading & Service Centers (Flat, Long, Pipe & Tube, Rebar) (IMAKAJAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Non-Ferrous Base Metals Trading (Aluminum, Copper, Zinc, Lead, Tin, Nickel) (IMAKAJAC)

Keywords

• Tinplate supply
• Metal packaging materials
• Aluminum packaging
• Steel trading
• Packaging raw materials

Headquarters

HQ city

Antwerp

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Metal Packaging Materials Sales: Sale of tinplate (ETP), tin-free steel (TFS), aluminum, laminated steel, cold rolled steel, galvanized steel, and tin mill black plate to food, beverage, chemical, and cosmetics packaging manufacturers. Revenue generated from the margin between global sourcing costs and sales pricing to customers.
2. Processing Services: Processing services including lithographing, lacquering, slitting, and cutting of metal materials at company-owned processing plants in Barranquilla, Colombia.
3. Supply Chain & Financial Services: Services including currency hedging, working capital optimization, procurement effectiveness assessment, origins analysis, price indexing, supply chain restructuring, and market insights provided alongside material sales.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Steelforce Packaging is the largest non-producing global supplier of raw materials for metal packaging, sourcing and distributing tinplate (ETP), tin-free steel (TFS), aluminum, laminated steel, cold rolled, and galvanized steel to packaging manufacturers worldwide. The company complements material sales with in-house processing services (lithographing, lacquering, slitting, cutting) at its Barranquilla plant, and a suite of supply-chain and financial services such as market intelligence, price indexing, currency hedging, working capital optimization, and supply chain restructuring.

Product overview

Steelforce Packaging is a global supplier of metal packaging materials operating as the largest non-producing seller of raw materials for metal packaging worldwide. The company offers a unified platform of steel and aluminum products including Electrolytic Tinplate (ETP), Tin Free Steel (TFS), Tin Mill Black Plate (TMBP), Laminated Steel, Lithographed & Lacquered products, Cold Rolled Sheet, Galvanized Steel, and Aluminum—all supported by specialized services such as SFP Market Insights (real-time data analytics), Price Indexing, Origins Analysis, Currency Hedging, Procurement Effectiveness Assessment, Supply Chain Restructuring, Supply Chain Risk Hedging, and Working Capital Optimization. The portfolio is organized around two main sub-brands: EN-FINITY (low-carbon circular steel via EAF technology) and ALLUMFORCE (dedicated aluminum division for foil, canstock, billets, and recycled streams). With 50+ years of combined expertise, two processing plants (slitting, cutting, coating & printing), and 36 strategic warehouse locations globally, the company connects global sourcing scale with localized service delivery across 100+ countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• EN-FINITY: Low-carbon, fully recyclable steel specifically engineered for metal packaging applications, developed through a process integrating post-consumer recycling, de-tinning, and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology.

Products and services

• Electrolytic Tinplate (ETP) High-performance light-gauge steel electronically coated with pure tin for enhanced corrosion protection. Composed of five distinct layers (steel base, iron-tin alloy, metallic tin, passivation film, oil film) providing strength, corrosion resistance, and surface compatibility for lithographic printing and lacquer applications in metal packaging.
• Tin Free Steel (TFS) Also known as Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel (E.C.C.S.), a high-performance material with dual-layer film of metallic chromium, chromium oxide, and oil. Offers durability, corrosion resistance, and excellent handling characteristics for manufacturing and packaging applications.
• Tin Mill Black Plate (TMBP) Low-carbon steel plate used as raw material for TFS or ETP and non-food applications. Coated with special oil film applied via electrostatic oiler, protecting from environmental humidity and facilitating handling.
• Laminated Steel Composite material ideal for metal packaging consisting of thin steel sheet (ETP, TFS, or TMBP) coated with polymer layers (polypropylene or PET). Provides excellent corrosion resistance and eliminates the need for conventional coatings and BPA.
• Lithographed & Lacquered Lacquered and printed tinplate (ETP) and tin-free steel (TFS) processed at the Barranquilla plant. Lacquering provides protective coating on the inside of cans; lithography adds a direct label to the surface. Used for stamped parts, lids, ends, and cans for food and industrial applications.
• Cold Rolled Sheet Flat steel products in coil or plate form, obtained by cold rolling, annealing, and tempering. Thickness range 0.20 to 3.15 mm. Used in automotive, construction, electronics, machinery, and containers/packaging industries.
• Galvanized Steel Hot-dip galvanized steel protecting against atmospheric corrosion through barrier protection and sacrificial galvanic protection. Zinc coating (typically 99.5% pure zinc, 40-600 g/m2) creates a metallurgical bond with base steel. Used in food/beverage cans, can lids, construction, and automotive applications.
• Aluminum Lightweight, durable, fully recyclable aluminum providing excellent protection against light, oxygen, and moisture. 3000 alloy series for beverage can bodies, food containers, and aerosols; 5000 alloy series for lids, container bottoms, and hermetic sealing systems. 3000 series tensile strength 285-320 MPa; 5000 series 370-431 MPa.
• EN-FINITY Low-Carbon Steel Low-carbon, fully recyclable steel brand specifically engineered for metal packaging applications. Produced via post-consumer recycling, de-tinning, and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology. Achieves 90% CO2 reduction (from 2.5 tons to 250 kg per ton of steel) and is designed for complete circularity, eliminating the need for blast furnace inputs.
• ALLUMFORCE Aluminum Division Steelforce Packaging's dedicated aluminum division created to meet technical, regulatory, and sustainability demands. Partners with customers across food & beverage, pharmaceutical, dairy, automotive, industrial, and recycling sectors. Products include foil (1xxx, 3xxx, 5xxx, 8xxx series), canstock & tabstock, billets & ingots, slugs, and UBC/industrial scrap.
• SFP Market Insights Real-time market data and analytics tool providing pricing opportunities at specific origins, product-to-end-use technical matching, and industry costing analysis. Uses advanced algorithms and real-time data for up-to-the-minute market intelligence on steel pricing and volatility.
• Price Indexing Financial stability and transparency service linking product costs to established market benchmarks or agreed-upon indexes. Covers steel pricing (raw materials, conversion costs, logistics, financial/currency impacts) and aluminum pricing (demand/supply indexes, comprehensive calculations).
• Origins Analysis Strategic insight service mapping global production shifts and capacity trends to help anticipate and adapt to evolving supply and demand dynamics. Provides visibility into current and planned global capacity evolution for future supply-demand planning.
• Currency Hedging Currency risk management enabling purchase in major steel currencies and sell in local currencies across strategic markets. Implements hedging strategies to secure price stability during negotiations and mitigate midterm volatility effects.
• Procurement Effectiveness Assessment Comprehensive assessment analyzing past performance, industry benchmarks, and supply chain aspects. Creates improvement plans identifying product replacement opportunities from production partners' portfolio with detailed action plans and timelines.
• Supply Chain Restructuring Logistics optimization service pairing production planning with local stocking solutions. Pioneered bulk vessel usage for the metal packaging industry. Maximizes flexibility for delivery requirements and optimizes supply chain success.
• Supply Chain Risk Hedging Risk mitigation strategy diversifying suppliers, securing long-term contracts, and leveraging financial tools to ensure uninterrupted operations. Includes global sea freight expertise, strategic local logistics, cargo optimization, and flexible transit control.
• Working Capital Optimization Financial solutions combining customized financing with local stocking. Aims to turn sourcing into a cash-beneficial exercise, allowing manufacturers to engage in financially secure and cash-positive procurement activities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 300,000+ tons of metal packaging materials sold in 2023
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Steel for Packaging EuropecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry association membership supporting the advancement of steel packaging circularity. The company aligns with industry recycling initiatives and regulatory frameworks including PPWR compliance and EU sustainability goals.
• EvertreenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSustainability partnership focused on reforestation and CO2 offset initiatives. Achieved 4,770 tons of CO2 offset, 3 countries reforested, and created more than 800 working hours through tree planting programs.
• Asociación Metalgráfica Española (AME)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry membership in Spain's oldest and most prestigious metal packaging organization, founded in 1926. Represents leading manufacturers of metal containers and closures. Network includes 29 companies employing over 6,000 workers.
• ErdemircoreOthersTier 1 steel mill partner providing tinplate and steel packaging materials. One of several strategic mill partnerships enabling consistent quality sourcing.
• HBIS GroupcoreOthersTier 1 steel mill partner. Strategic supplier relationship for global sourcing of metal packaging materials.
• JSW SteelcoreOthersTier 1 steel mill partner. Strategic supplier providing materials for metal packaging production.
• Tata SteelcoreOthersTier 1 steel mill partner. Strategic supplier for tinplate and steel packaging materials.
• POSCOcoreOthersTier 1 steel mill partner. Strategic supplier for metal packaging materials.
• CSN (Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional)coreOthersTier 1 steel mill partner from Brazil. Strategic supplier relationship for regional sourcing in LATAM markets.
• CSC SteelminorOthersSteel mill partner. Strategic supplier for metal packaging materials.
• CSVC (Viet Nam Steel Corporation)minorOthersSteel mill partner from Vietnam. Strategic supplier for Asian market sourcing.
• ErtimsanminorOthersSteel mill partner. Strategic supplier for metal packaging materials.
• GDH ZhongyueminorOthersSteel mill partner from China. Strategic supplier for Asian market sourcing.
• StarcoreminorOthersSteel mill partner. Strategic supplier for metal packaging materials.
• Tosyali ToyominorOthersJoint venture steel mill partner. Strategic supplier for metal packaging materials.
• AcciaierieminorOthersSteel mill partner. Strategic supplier for metal packaging materials.
• BorcelikminorOthersSteel mill partner. Strategic supplier for metal packaging materials.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• ThyssenKrupp Materials Services: European metals distribution and service center arm of thyssenkrupp, operating globally with warehousing, processing, and supply chain services. Comparable scale and integrated sourcing/processing model, though tied to its parent's primary steel production.
• Olympic Steel: US-based metal service center distributing carbon, stainless, and aluminum flat-rolled products with value-added processing. Comparable product portfolio (flat-rolled steel, aluminum) and end-market exposure across industrial and consumer packaging.
• Samuel, Son & Co. North American metals service center and processor distributing carbon steel, aluminum, and stainless products. Overlap with Steelforce in flat-rolled product distribution, processing services, and supply chain solutions for industrial and packaging customers.
• Kloeckner Metals: One of Europe's largest independent steel and metal distributors with processing (slitting, cutting, coating) and global mill procurement. Strong overlap with Steelforce's European distribution model and customer base in industrial and packaging applications.
• Reliance Steel & Aluminum: Largest metals service center operator in North America (NYSE: RS), distributing carbon steel, aluminum, and stainless products to diverse end markets including packaging, automotive, and construction. Highly comparable business model of value-added metal distribution with global mill relationships and processing services.
• Russel Metals: Canadian metal service center distributing steel, aluminum, and specialty metals across North America with processing capabilities. Similar trading-and-processing model serving industrial customers including metal packaging converters.

Broad incumbents

• Constellium: European-headquartered aluminum rolled products manufacturer with strong presence in packaging (canstock, foil) and automotive. Comparable product lines and customer base; competes with Steelforce's Allumforce division by selling direct to packaging converters.
• Novelis: World's largest producer of aluminum canstock and rolled aluminum products, supplying beverage and food can manufacturers globally. Serves as both a competitor (via direct mill sales to converters) and an indirect supplier in the aluminum packaging value chain.

Others

• ArcelorMittal: World's largest steel producer with significant tinplate and packaging-grade steel capacity in Europe and the Americas. Operates as both a Tier 1 mill supplier to Steelforce and a direct competitor through its own commercial channels serving packaging customers.
• thyssenkrupp Rasselstein: Europe's largest tinplate producer and a key supplier to the metal packaging industry. While primarily a mill supplier to Steelforce, it also sells direct to large packaging converters, making it both a strategic partner and an adjacent competitor in the tinplate market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SteelforceP

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Steelforce Packaging