Stefan Welker brings over 18 years of dedicated experience in the packaging industry, with a strong focus on inspection systems. His expertise spans the entire process from designing and specifying systems to developing advanced measurement and image processing solutions. This conversation offers a deep dive into how Industrial Physics is driving quality assurance and innovation in the aluminium packaging value chain, particularly as the world pivots toward sustainability and circularity. As sustainability gains momentum and recycled aluminium becomes more prevalent (and often more variable in quality), precise testing becomes essential. He further provided overview about how Industrial Physics helps detect faults early, reduce waste, and prevent costly recalls all while supporting lightweighting trends that reduce material use and carbon footprint.
AL Circle: Can you briefly introduce Industrial Physics and its role in the aluminium packaging value chain? With the growing global shift towards sustainable and recyclable materials, how do your products support quality assurance in aluminium packaging?
Stefan Welker: Industrial Physics offers an extensive range of solutions throughout the packaging process, from trimmed cans (where the top edge has been precisely cut to remove excess material) to lacquer finishes, ink decoration, and final filled products.
Our gauge technology is designed to measure aluminium and steel. The core requirements may vary (e.g. wall thickness, volume), but our role across the value chain remains consistent: to protect the integrity of can-makers and fillers through reliable test and measurement.
Industrial Physics is a global leader specialising in instruments that test and measure a wide range of materials for use in industries such as packaging. Within aluminium packaging, especially in sectors like beverage, we offer quality assurance solutions that help manufacturers maintain consistency.
As sustainability has become a driving force globally, aluminium packaging - being lightweight, recyclable, and infinitely reusable - has gained significant traction. Our equipment supports this transition by ensuring the structural integrity and performance of aluminium packaging, allowing professionals to reduce waste, minimise recalls, and enable circular economy practices. As recycled aluminium quality declines (e.g. via downcycling), precise quality control becomes even more important.