All Comment articles – Page 7
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Article‘The only way to stop the flow of plastic into our oceans is to understand the problem’
A key part of putting an end to plastic pollution is enhancing our understanding of exactly where this plastic is coming from in the first place. To that end, Prevented Ocean Plastic is embarking on a research project with experts from the University of Georgia that will explore this issue. Raffi Schieir, Director of Prevented Ocean Plastic and Bantam Materials, tells us more.
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ArticleAI and the future of packaging
The future of the packaging industry will be influenced by a range of disruptive themes, with artificial intelligence (AI) being one of the biggest to have a significant impact on packaging companies. Where should food and drink brands invest to ensure they keep up with the rest of the FMCG industry? Adam Sears, VP of Client Service (UK/IE/AUS) at Equator Design, tells us more.
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ArticleThe McDonald’s approach to packaging sustainability
An innovative reusable packaging system created by McDonald’s recently went viral – being highlighted by a number of commentators as an example of responsible consumption patterns and waste reduction. We spoke with Floor Uitterhoeve, Director for Market Sustainability in Europe at McDonald’s, to learn more about how solutions like this fit into the company’s overall packaging sustainability strategy.
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ArticleCan workplace education encourage individual consumers to buy food in environmentally friendly packaging?
While the packaging industry is searching for answers to the question of how to encourage individual consumers to buy food in environmentally friendly packaging, Human Resource Management (HRM) scholars might have found an answer. Recent studies suggest that new practices such as “green training” may influence employees’ eco-friendly purchasing behaviors outside of work. Dr. Igor Popovic, Vice President, Global Sales and Commercial Excellence at Huhtamaki, tells us more.
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ArticlePlastics supply chain in Europe continues to push for greater legal certainty for recycled content
Earlier this week, organisations from across the value chain called on the EU to adopt mass balance as a means of developing EU-harmonised calculating rules for recycled content in plastics applications in order to meet revised environmental targets.
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ArticleThe pack is back
In times of economic uncertainty, how do consumer and brand owner perceptions of packaging change? Christopher Schilperoort, MD at brand and packaging design agency bluemarlin, says that in tough times, packaging has an even bigger job to do.
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ArticleThe need for the industry to pivot in the face of new EU rules
The packaging industry has a choice: evolve now to meet the increasing demand for sustainable packaging or become irrelevant, says Rob Brown, head of European business development at OKI Europe.
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ArticleOn Second Thoughts… Is ‘uber standardization’ the next step for reuse?
James Harmer, Planning & Innovation Strategy Leader at Cambridge Design Partnership, provides an innovator’s perspective on what might happen as companies respond to the European Commission Green Deal proposal – and whether a radical level of standardization is called for to create more widespread uptake of reuse models.
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ArticleThe key to unlocking sustainable packaging progress
What are the most important things to consider when working towards holistic packaging sustainability success? There are nine fundamental steps that companies should bear in mind in these efforts, says Dr. Thomas Gröner, director at TG PACK SOLUTIONS.
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Article‘Sustainable packaging is complicated – will executive leaders be the last to realise this?’
Given the complexities of sustainable packaging, are key stakeholders doing enough to embrace the realities and trade-offs that may be required to make advancements? Gartner Supply Chain’s senior director analyst, John Blake, tells us more about how companies can avoid “hype cycles” in the future.
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ArticleDrilling down into Mintel’s predictions for the packaging industry in 2023
Mintel recently identified five key macro factors that it thinks will have a significant effect on the packaging industry in 2023. In a wide-ranging conversation with Benjamin Punchard, Global Packaging Insights Director at Mintel, we unpacked these issues and their potential effects on the packaging ecosystem.
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ArticleA deeper dive into the progress of the cartonboard industry
In October 2022, Michele Bianchi, CEO of RDM Group, was announced as the new president of Pro Carton. Since then, the packaging industry has seen such developments as the leak and subsequent announcement of proposed revisions to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, as well as a continuing transition into fibre-based packaging solutions. We caught up with Bianchi to gain insight into his role and his vision for the paper and board industry, both today and in the future.
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Article‘Commission must clarify sustainability targets or risk losing future investment in Europe’
Could a lack of clarity around new EU packaging sustainability regulation negatively affect future investment in crucial areas such as chemical recycling and reuse systems? Matt Tudball, Senior Editor, Recycling at ICIS, drills down into this issue in our latest comment piece.
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ArticleWhat drives innovation in the converting machinery sector?
Packaging converters play an important role in the value chain and handle a wide range of materials and substrates. But how does the sector innovate to deal with a challenging economic climate and increasing sustainability demands, and what are the latest trends and developments? Elisabeth Skoda finds out more, speaking to HEIDELBERG and BOBST.
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ArticleShip goods, not air
The EU has set its sights on reducing empty space in packaging, with new rules on this issue forming a core part of its recently announced Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive revisions. How will all of this affect the industry, and how can companies get ahead of the curve? Jo Bradley, business development manager at Sparck Technologies, explores the options.
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ArticleHow to measure reusable packaging success
How can we accurately measure the environmental and economic success of reusable packaging models? The creation of a common language and set of metrics is essential, says Mike Newman, CEO of Returnity.
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ArticleIs simplifying sorting the key to creating a circular economy for plastics?
In order for plastic packaging to become truly circular, it’s crucial that the sorting of post-consumer packaging is as efficient and consistent as possible. How can the industry make this happen? Professor Edward Kosior, CEO and co-founder at Nextek and NEXTLOOPP, tells us more.
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ArticleUnlocking the potential of chemical recycling
Chemical recycling – the potential benefits are huge, but what are the barriers standing in the way of increased uptake?
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ArticleBillerud CEO Christoph Michalski on its growth strategy investments in the US and Norway
“I look forward to taking on the challenge of developing BillerudKorsnäs to reach its full potential,” said Christoph Michalski, CEO of Billerud, when taking up the post in the summer of 2020. Lots has happened since he got started – the major acquisition of Verso in the United States is one example, and the recently announced partnership with Viken Skog in Norway another. Sitting down with Bo Wallteg – editor-in-chief at nord emballage (where this article originally appeared) – over lunch at HK, Michalski elaborated on his thoughts on the US and Norway and what awaits around the corner.
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ArticleCreating a culture of innovation based on experience and data
What’s the best way for companies to achieve true circularity? Collecting, analysing, managing, and acting on data should be front and centre in this context, says Sandy Dhesi, commercial manager at Ecoveritas.