Claus to lead APEAL as secretary general
Image: APEAL
APEAL, the Association of European Producers of Steel for Packaging, has announced the appointment of Steve Claus as its new secretary general, effective 4 December 2023.
Claus brings over 20 years of expertise in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), as well as a wealth of experience in the collection, sorting, and recycling of packaging waste.
Having initially joined APEAL in 2018 as sustainability manager, Claus has played a crucial role in various technical projects for packaging steel. His responsibilities have spanned areas such as recyclability, recycling rates, Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), and Product Environmental Footprint (PEF). He has recently been actively engaged with policymakers to underscore the pivotal role of permanent materials such as steel in a more circular economy, during ongoing discussions on Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
“During his five years at APEAL, Steve has demonstrated leadership, expertise, and a passion for circular thinking. We are thrilled that he will be leading APEAL during this time of great innovation, both in packaging sustainability with PPWR, but also in the steel industry with the transition to greener steel,” said APEAL president, Luc Brantjes.
Claus replaces Alexis Van Maercke who served in the position for seven years and has now chosen to explore new opportunities in a different industry.
“I’m looking forward building upon the industry’s already strong sustainability credentials and demonstrate the invaluable role that steel for packaging will play in shaping a more circular future,” said Claus.
Claus previously held diverse positions at Fost Plus, the Belgian EPR scheme for household packaging in Belgium, worked for EXPRA, an EPR Alliance, and provided guidance in and outside the EU to both industry and authorities in establishing innovative and sustainable circular models based on EPR. He holds a master’s degree in applied economics from the University of Antwerp.
APEAL says it looks forward to the continued success and growth under his leadership.
