Big names line up for Strategic Packaging Summit – Fishupdate.com

SOME of the biggest names in Europe’s supply chain for fast moving consumer goods are lined up to speak at the Starpack Summit, which examines the role of packaging in the sustainability debate and the dilemmas it faces.

This high-level strategic business conference, “The Packaging Dilemma – The Consumer Challenge”, from IOP: The Packaging Society, a division of IOM3, scheduled to be held at the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining in London on May 22, will provide a strategic insight into consumer-led packaging dilemmas and possible solutions through the eyes of major retailers, brand owners, designers, corporate responsibility specialists, environmental and producer responsibility organisations.

Big names like Coca-Cola, Marks & Spencer, Green Alliance, WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), British Brands Group, VALPAK plus the leaders in strategic packaging design and packaging supply will give their take on the debate, and examine the increasingly important role sustainability issues are taking in corporate thinking.

Coca-Cola will take a look at the role of innovative and environmentally responsible design through the eyes of Sanjay Patel, Innovations manager for Europe, Eurasia and Middle East.

Speaking for the Green Alliance – one of the UK’s foremost environmental policy organisations – associate director Julie Hill will discuss the Alliance’s challenge to manufacturers, retailers, local authorities and waste companies to put in place the measures necessary for all food packaging to be recyclable or compostable by 2013.

Marks & Spencer will examine ‘Plan A’ its five-year 100-point ‘eco’ plan as it affects packaging and report on progress made in the 16 months since its inception. Mark Caul senior packaging technologist will take a look at the Plan’s “4 plastics” philosophy (PET, PLA, PP and PE) and the use of sustainably sourced materials.

Ultimately it is consumers who will drive the packaging sector forward and it is the ability of the supply chain to connect with what are frequently conflicting desires that will ensure success in consumer packaging markets.

“Environmental performance and sustainability are critical to the future of brands and retailers. Consumers have never been keener to see manufacturers and retailers deliver on their corporate responsibilities. The

Starpack Summit provides an ideal platform for stakeholders throughout the supply chain to share best practice and create visions for the future of sustainable packaging,” said Mark Barthel, special adviser to lead sponsor, WRAP.

The clear message to companies on corporate responsibility is that the mainstream investment community must understand that environmental, social and governance are core-business issues and can have an impact on financial performance, especially in the medium to long term.

In an attempt to answer the thorny topics that make up this dilemma the day will be split into two sessions addressing the Packaging Dilemma and in the afternoon Creating Workable Solutions.

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