Workshop 12: New materials, technologies and regulations for the packaging of tomorrow
On 19th October we carried out the twelfth and last online thematic workshop of Global Foodture: “New materials, technologies and regulations for the packaging of tomorrow”.
Packaging must serve critical functions including protection, preservation, distribution, and advertising. Food packaging represents more than 66% of total packaging produced. For this reason, its sustainability cannot be measured only by its biodegradability. The resources needed for its development, such as the distance its weight must travel or the recyclable nature of its material, should be considered. Plant-based plastics, compostable materials, biomass, edible wrapping, etc. What are the most innovative and sustainable solutions in food packaging?
Thank you Lorena Rodríguez (AIMPLAS), Dawn Ong and Samuel Aw (Republic Polytechnic), Jens Bladt (KLS PurePrint A/S), Dr. Pongsuda Phumathon Pongtanya (DeltaLab), and Axel Darut (Minderoo Foundation) for your inputs on sustainable packaging.
The workshop was moderated by Susanne Baden (Food & Bio Cluster Denmark) and Mònica Riera (Packaging Cluster).
The opening was provided by Lorena Rodríguez, Packaging Group Leader at AIMPLAS, and Dawon Ong and Samuel Aw from the Food Manufacturing Center of Innovation at Republic Polytechnic Singapore. They all gave a general overview of the topic, the challenges and problems faced currently by the sector and collaboration opportunities identified.
The first masterclass was about “Advanced bioplastics and other materials for food and consumer preferences towards sustainable packaging solutions”.
The first masterclass was opened by Hens Bladt, Sales Manager at KLS PurePrint, an old printing company with new ideas. After many years of work with traditional printing techniques, an ambitious vision emerged in the boardroom – “The worlds greenest printing house!”. KLS PurePrint is both a printing and packaging company and is Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold. They manufacture a very wide variety of food packaging, including packaging for organic, vegetarian, and vegan products. The Cradle-to-Cradle certified packaging is a client’s guarantee that the manufactured packaging is safe for both people and the environment. The packaging is further biodegradable and compostable. They call it PurePrint. In cooperation with Unilever and Daka Refood, they have, among other things, developed a food waste box called “TreatBox” that is meant to be the next generation doggy bag.
Then, Dr. Pongsuda Phumathon Pongtanya, Managing Director at DeltaLab talked about the creation of functional and sustainable packaging for a better world. SCGP Packaging is a leading multinational consumer packaging solutions provider. They offer innovative products & services that enable their broad and diversified product offering and ancillary services such as fiber packaging, performance and polymer packaging, foodservice products, and pulp and paper products. SCGP inspires the new way of living to enrich lifestyle of people, society and environment while placing emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects.
The second masterclass was about “Food packaging regulations”.
This second masterclass was carried out by Axel Darut, from Minderoo Foundation. Axel is a seasoned legal expert specializing in regulatory markets. With extensive experience in international affairs, he has dedicated much of his career to the field of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Currently, Axel is actively engaged in the Minderoo Foundation’s “No Plastic Waste” initiative. In his presentation, he providedvvaluable insights into the current regulatory landscape in Europe. He sheded light on the introduction of these regulations and their role in promoting a circular economy.
The online workshop was finalised with a Q&A and reflections by Susanne Baden as workshop moderator and Global Foodture project’s coordinator providing an overview of all the past activities and results achieved.
Are you interested in international innovation collaboration with Asian partners in the field of sustainable packagign? Please visit the website for more information.
Discover all the details in the full webinar below.
