Written on: January 5, 2021 by Don Farrell
The Association of European Producers of Steel for Packaging (APEAL) has appointed Viliam Gašpar, Director of Customer Technical Service at U.S. Steel Košice, as the association’s new President.
Gašpar was elected unanimously by the Board and General Assembly of APEAL and succeeds Tony Waite of Tata Steel Europe. Gašpar’s role of President became effective Jan. 1 and is in-line with the biennial rotating presidency of APEAL.
Viliam Gašpar
Gašpar has more than 25 years of experience in R&D, Customer Technical Service and Product Innovation at U.S. Steel.
Gašpar noted he predecessor, Waite, united all five producers of steel for packaging in Europe with membership in APEAL. Waite also helped APEAL contribute to secondary Circular Economy Package legislation and the industry recorded a recycling rate of 82.5% in Europe.
“This constitutes a clear message to all stakeholders that steel for packaging is a tried, tested and sustainable solution ideally suited to a 21st century circular economy,” said Gašpar. “There remain many challenges ahead, however. The European Commission has demonstrated global leadership with its European Green Deal. Under my presidency, APEAL will strive to demonstrate how steel for packaging has a real role to play in achieving the ultimate aims of the Green Deal, most notably with the sustainable products and circular design policies of the Circular Economy Action Plan.”
“Our focus will be on closing the loop of steel recycling even further through promotion of separate collection amongst other actions, but also on showing how steel packaging can improve resource efficiency in Europe by helping to save food and reduce waste, Gašpar continued. “I now look forward to building on the achievements of Tony and the APEAL team, working with my colleagues, the European Commission, European Parliament, Member States and all stakeholders to deliver this ambitious plan.”
