2023 WPO Member Sustainability Update: A global lens
2023 was a dynamic year with many new regulations, directives and programs established and trialled across the world to create a circular economy for packaging.
The highlights included the Global plastics Pollution Treaty, advancement in Single Use Plastics Regulations, the establishment of Container Deposit Schemes/Return & Earn Schemes and numerous recycling plants being built in all corners of the globe. These are all pieces of the puzzle.
The WPO Members have provided extensive reports into what is happening in their country or region and I encourage you to learn more about what the Sustainability lens looks like for each and every one of our Members. There is no silver bullet and the WPO works collectively to create global impact.
Nerida Kelton FAIP
Vice President - Sustainability & Save Food
World Packaging Organisation (WPO)
Sustainability perspectives across the globe
By Nerida Kelton, December 2022
Looking through the lens of World Packaging Organisation (WPO) members the world of Sustainability is ever-evolving, dynamic and in a flux of change.
As a part of the recent Sustainability & Save Food Working group meeting some 21x countries, including Finland, Austria, Italy, Poland, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, England, United States of America, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, Israel, India, China, the Philippines, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand, came together to discuss the latest trends, barriers, challenges and initiatives within their country and region.
The world of Sustainability varies amongst WPO Member
By Nerida Kelton, December, 2021
45 Members of the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) Board recently came together – albeit virtually – to discuss what has been happening around the world in the last 6 months.
As a part of the Sustainability & Save Food Working Group meeting 18 countries including the EU, Finland, Austria, Japan, Indonesia, Philippines, France, Spain, Italy, Turkey, India, Argentina, Australia & New Zealand, Kenya, the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Brazil showcased some of the key initiatives, regulatory updates and programs that are afoot in their country or region.
Packaging Design as a Tool in Consumer Marketing
By Soha Atallah, November, 2021
First impressions go a long way in how people perceive anything. This too applies to companies with regards to their packaging design. The outer appearance of the product, therefore the packaging is the first aspect a potential customer will see, and so it can be an additional marketing tool for the product and the company, that will catch the browser’s attention. An effective packaging can help a company attract consumers to their product and thus increase its sales and export. Good packag- ing can add to the perceived value of a product and give the image, or the message perceived by the producer to the consumer.
Packaging Technology and Design
By World Packaging Organisation, September 2018
Packaging is used in almost every aspect of our lives, you can’t really get away from it, even if you tried. It’s used to protect products in transport, keep food fresh, entice us to purchase, to
provide warnings and to relay legal and safety information. Any product that is designed and made available to the public will need to be packaged and there is a variety of materials to choose from and many rules to follow.
Packaging and Trade
By Kofi Manso Essuman, November 2018
Trade which is the exchange of goods, services and capital between two or more parties either within a country or across international borders has been going since time immemorial. Trade plays a critical role in the level of prosperity in a country because it creates job opportunities and higher-earnings for many people.
Packaging and Supply Chain Management 2017
By World Packaging Organisation, May 2017
It is quite clear that packaging can contribute significantly to overall supply chain performance. To realize this potential, it is important for the packaging industry to build and develop long-term relations not only with the direct customers, but also customers’ customers and ultimately end-users. Packaging systems that are fit for use and designated for special roles and functions in the supply chain are necessary. Supply chain integration is a key packaging strategy to fulfil the holistic packaging mission to save more resources than it costs.
Prevention and reduction of food losses and food waste via appropriate packaging
By World Packaging Organisation, March 2016
Under the Chairmanship of Dr Johannes Bergmair, this new initiative aims to address the serious global issue of food wastage through improved and innovative packaging solutions.
WPO Position on Waste and Recycling
By World Packaging Organisation, August 2014
The World Packaging Organisation believes that packaging should be designed to fit its original purpose, while taking all expected recovery methods into perspective. This has to be done to fit into existing or planned waste management schemes. The world is heading towards a recycling society and the packaging community together with all players in the delivery chain must act accordingly. Packaging is part of the solution to achieve tomorrow’s sustainable society.
Packaging - An Important Tool for A Sustainable Society
By World Packaging Organisation, October 2011
Society demands, without really knowing it, that Packaging Professionals ‘get it right.’ Efficient and effective use of resources in packaging is essential to Society’s aim to become more Sustainable. The World Packaging Organization is committed to continuing to bring together many of the great minds within the Packaging Community as we work toward our goal of “Better Quality Of Life Through Better Packaging For More People”.
The Role and Importance of Packaging Competitions and Awards
By World Packaging Organisation, October 2011
There are several issues that this position paper seeks to explore. First, what is the purpose of such schemes, secondly, what is the difference between an awards scheme and a competition, and finally the need for integrity, openness and
transparency in the organisation of competitions and awards.
LCA - Life Cycle Assessment
By World Packaging Organisation, October 2011
In the environmental area one of the most important tools is Life Cycle Assessment, (LCA) and a successful attempt to combine different dimensions has been made through Eco Efficiency methodology, where Financial and Environmental aspects have been incorporated.
Packaging and Food Safety
By World Packaging Organisation, April 2009
Packaging is an essential medium for preserving food quality, minimising food wastage and reducing preservatives used in food. The packaging serves the important function of containing the food, protecting against chemical and physical damage whilst providing information essential to consumers and marketers.
Packaging is the Answer to World Hunger
By World Packaging Organisation, March 2009
The World Packaging Organisation (WPO) General Secretary Carl Olsmats and the International Packaging Press Organisation (IPPO - www.ippopress.com) President Bo Wallteg, have published a joint position paper that highlights the key contribution of packaging to sustainability and the fight against hunger in the world. WPO and IPPO are promoting good packaging and logistics systems as "the answer to world hunger". Carl Olsmats and Bo Wallteg said the increased demand for food did not necessarily require increased production, but better packaging usage to ensure less food is wasted.
Market Trends and Developments
By World Packaging Organisation, April 2008
There are a number of market developments with major implications for the packaging industry. Designs have to improve continuously to meet the changing market and sustainability needs. Emerging markets, with a growing middle class, adopting a consumption life style, implies business opportunities.