The CMI has announced a leadership change set to take effect on 9 June, with current Senior Vice President of Sustainability Scott Breen appointed as the organisation’s new president.
This transition follows the retirement of Robert Budway, who has led the trade body representing the U.S. metal can industry since 1995.
The CMI Board of Governors approved Breen’s appointment, marking a strategic shift for the institute at a time when sustainability and regulatory policy remain central to the packaging sector. Budway will continue to support CMI as a transition advisor until the end of 2025.
Four decades of industry leadership come to a close
Budway’s departure concludes nearly 40 years of service with CMI, beginning in 1986 and culminating in a long presidency that shaped the association’s direction in public policy, trade, and environmental initiatives.
He took on the leadership role following the death of former president General J. Michael Dunn in 1995.
Under Budway’s guidance, CMI expanded its membership base and strengthened its role in policy advocacy. In recent years, he focused particularly on the sustainability of metal packaging, reflecting the industry’s increasing need to address recycling and climate policy developments.
His background includes legal training and public sector experience, including work with the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.
Scott Breen brings sustainability and policy expertise
Breen steps into the role with a strong background in environmental policy and circular economy initiatives. Since joining CMI in 2019, he has led efforts to position metal cans as a sustainable packaging option through legislative advocacy and educational initiatives. He has also been instrumental in developing CMI’s recycling roadmap, which outlines strategies to improve aluminium can recycling rates nationwide.
In addition to his work with CMI, Breen serves as board chair of The Recycling Partnership and previously held roles with the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. His experience spans law, public affairs, and sustainability communication.
The leadership transition comes at a time of heightened attention on sustainable packaging solutions and increased regulatory focus on recyclable materials.
With metal cans gaining recognition for their recyclability and circular economy potential, CMI’s strategic direction is expected to further emphasise advocacy, innovation, and environmental performance.
Breen has indicated that the association’s future efforts will build on Budway’s legacy, aiming to foster collaboration across the metal packaging industry and advance policy goals that support sustainable growth.
His appointment signals continuity in CMI’s sustainability agenda while preparing for a new phase of industry engagement.
This change in leadership at the Can Manufacturers Institute is likely to influence broader trends in the sustainable packaging sector as demand rises for environmentally responsible materials and packaging solutions.
