Roundtable discussions will take place on day one and three of the conference to allow you time for targeted networking and in-depth learning. They have been put together in such a way as to make sure you will get as close to the onsite experience as possible - sit down with an expert facilitator in a dedicated breakout room and discuss key industry topics with your peers.
You must pre-book to be able to access the room so make sure you contact Gwen on gmanach@smithers.com to secure your place (you can attend one each day). **Only 15 seats per roundtable are available**
Monday 2 November @ 4.10 PM GMT:
1) Real circularity of packaging – how can we turn theory into global action? - Claudia Bierth, European Sustainability Manager, Ball Beverage Packaging Europe
To address climate change and seeking solutions to the global packaging waste crisis, we need to do what we can to move toward a truly circular economy, where materials can be used again and again. What are the expedient measures to achieve this goal, e.g. in product design, collection systems and infrastructure, policy, impact measurement and consumer education?
2) To-go reusable cups for food service — challenges and solutions – Martin Blacher, Director Responsible for Sustainability, Bockatech
From workplace cafeterias to high street cafes and sports venues to festivals — reusable to-go food service packaging is on the increase because it is a practical solution to the problem of cutting single-use waste within the sector.
This session will discuss the what the opportunities are, common problems and how these are being tackled. Some of the topics to be covered:
- Manufacturing materials and technology - what's new and how it'll help
- Process - from smartphone reward apps to reverse vending
- Environmental - how many reuses is enough and what are the real benefits?
- Where - what locations are most appropriate (e.g. business cafeterias, high street cafes, food delivery, festivals and sports grounds etc) and what are the reuse models (e.g. customer owned/cleaned, business owned/cleaned, third-party owned/cleaned)
- Food safety - how do you manage washing?
- Economics - does it make financial sense?
- Consumers - what do consumers really want and why?
3) Beyond an LCA, the holistic approach to sustainable packaging - Jenny Wassenaar, Vice President Sustainability, Trivium Packaging
Packaging material selection has become more complex in this era of increased environmental awareness. The importance of sustainability is undeniably growing. In the Trivium 2020 Buying Green report, a global survey of more than 15,000consumers, 67% of the respondents consider themselves environmentally conscious.
Brands considering sustainability as part of their packaging decisions have tended to rely on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools in their decision-making processes. LCAs are an important tool in evaluating material sustainability; however, they only present a partial picture of a material's environmental impact. When making material selection decisions that will favorably position a brand with environmentally conscious consumers, it's important to take a more holistic view of sustainability.
In this discussion we will focus on the elements besides LCA's that are important for a brand to consider to positively impact the sustainability awareness of consumers.
Wednesday 4 November @ 3.55pm GMT:
1) Moving to sustainable films – Dr Paul Collins, R&D Packaging Director, Europe Foods, PepsiCo
2) Recyclability, carbon impact, shelf life, consumers preferences: do we need to choose? - Pauline Metivier, Innovation Manager UK & Ireland, Veolia
When looking at the most sustainable material and format for their packaging, businesses often face what could seem non-reconcilable targets: minimising carbon emissions and improving recyclability while maintaining the product shelf life and the customers' engagement.
This roundtable will be an opportunity to discuss those challenges and share best practices on how to best manage environmental and business tradeoffs and how to implement innovative solutions and change the approach to deliver on all targets.
