Structured cross-channel packing element with reduced material requirement

The present invention relates to a structured cross-channel packing element for a column for mass transfer and/or heat exchange between a heavy and a light fluid phase, wherein the structured cross-channel packing element comprises at least two adjacent layers made of expanded metal sheets each comprising openings, which are surrounded and separated from each other by separating elements, wherein at least two of the at least two layers are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the packing element parallel and in touching contact with each other so that an open space extending from one end to the opposite end of the at least two layers is provided between them so that at least one of the heavy and the light fluid phase may flow through it, wherein the ratio between the average width of at least 50% of the separating elements between adjacent openings and the sheet material thickness is at least 15, wherein the ratio between the maximum distance between at least two of the at least two layers measured in th