There is so much exciting happenings within
the WPO these days. We welcomed three new members to the organisation at our
recent meetings in Dusseldorf, namely Egypt, Republic of Ireland and France. We
are currently speaking with four additional countries about becoming members of
the WPO. In addition, the WPO Executive team have been crossing the globe
presenting at conferences, both physically and virtually, as well as attending
numerous packaging exhibitions.
I was interested but not surprised to read
in the global packaging news that sustainability, smart packaging, e-commerce,
and personalisation will be key trends driving innovation in the industry in
the second half of 2023. By embracing these trends and exploring new
technologies and materials, packaging companies can stay ahead of the curve and
meet the evolving needs of consumers in the years to come. I have noticed that
each global packaging conference that I have attended recently continues to
include sustainability, but now more so smart packaging at each conference
gathering.
The e-commerce packaging market continues
to grow at an alarming rate, thanks to the boost these past few years. We
cannot be devoid of packaging, we cannot escape, it is all around us, so let us
embrace it.
The recent WorldStar Awards Ceremony held
during Interpack again showed the latest in developments in innovation. It is
packaging innovation that drives our industry and ensures development and
challenges the status quo. More importantly, it is packaging innovation that enhances
and ensures “Better Quality of Life, Through Better Packaging, For More People”.
The other encouraging aspect of the WorldStar Awards program is that it
encourages more developing countries to become involved and enter in the awards
program.
We have a responsibility and a challenge to
ensure packaging gets better and better in all respects. The WPO continues to
form relationships with other related industries in the pursuance of better
packaging outcomes, holding webinars congresses and conferences, some physical
and some virtual and some in a hybrid format. The WPO when presenting in these
numerous global conferences continues to spread the word on sustainable
packaging, which includes a positive approach on plastics in packaging.
Plastic packaging is not going anywhere
soon, as plastic-based packaging will maintain over 50% share of packaging
materials across global consumer packaged goods categories by 2024, According
to PMMI Business Intelligence Report.
We in the WPO will continue the drive of
encouraging and ensuring that all are informed about packaging design for
recycling. I encourage all to review our website to learn more on the resources
that are available to ensure this sustainable outcome, see: https://www.worldpackaging.org/wpo/6/
On behalf of all at the WPO, I wish you good
health and safety. Take care and best wishes.
Celebrating a remarkable weekend: a heartfelt
thank you to all participants!
Dear members,
we hope you're feeling happy and content as
we look back on the incredible time we spent together at interpack. The WPO
events that happened from Friday, May 5th to Sunday, May 7th were truly
special, and we owe it all to each and every one of you who participated. We
want to express our heartfelt thanks for making these moments truly
unforgettable.
The journey began with our important
Executive Meeting on Friday, May 5th. It was a day filled with interesting
discussions, planning for the future, and working together as a team. The
knowledge and expertise we had in the room were amazing, and we truly
appreciate the active involvement and valuable contributions of our executive
members.
On Saturday, May 6th, we had an exciting
day ahead with our Working Groups. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy as
teams came together to explore new ideas and brainstorm solutions for the
challenges we face in the education, marketing and sustainability working
groups. The dedication and passion shown by each group were truly commendable,
and the outcomes of these sessions will undoubtedly shape our future endeavors.
As evening approached, we had the privilege
of hosting the prestigious Worldstar Global Packaging Awards Ceremony on
Saturday night. It was a breathtaking celebration of creativity, excellence,
and innovation in the packaging industry. We want to extend our heartfelt
congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding achievements. Your
vision and commitment to pushing boundaries have set new standards of
brilliance in our industry.
On Sunday, May 7th, we gathered for our
Board Meeting, where almost all of our members came together to discuss and
plan for the future. The discussions were filled with wisdom, foresight, and a
shared commitment to making positive changes. We are incredibly grateful for
the thoughtful insights and visionary ideas that were shared during this
important session.
We're excited to announce that during the
Board Meeting, we elected our new President, Luciana Pellegrino. Luciana's
extensive experience and dedication to our organization make her an exceptional
leader, and we have full confidence that her presidency will bring new levels
of success and impact. Luciana will officially begin her role in November,
bringing her vision and guidance to our collective efforts.
Now, as we say goodbye to this incredible
weekend, we want to remind you of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
We're thrilled to announce that our next meeting will take place from November
20th to 24th in the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa. This lively
city, nestled against the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain, promises to
provide an inspiring setting for us to gather once again and continue our
mission of shaping the future of packaging. Please keep an eye on your e-mails,
you will soon receive information about our next meeting.
Until we meet again, let's carry the spirit
of collaboration and innovation in our hearts, and let's continue to make a
positive impact on the world through our collective efforts.
Luciana Pellegrino, from Brazil, is elected President of WPO
for 2024-2026
WPO was proud to announce that Luciana Pellegrino, Managing
Director of ABRE (Brazilian Packaging Association), was elected on May 07,
unoposed, as President of the Organisation. She will assume on November 25,
2023. Until then, Pierre Pienaar, from Australia, will continue as WPO
President. “According to WPO statute, the past and the elected Presidents have
time to work together until the final transition”, explains Pierre Pienaar.
Connected to the packaging industry since 1996 when invited
for an experience at Bryce Corporation USA, Luciana Pellegrino is the first
woman to assume the World Packaging Organisation Presidency. Graduated in
business administration, with specialization in environmental sciences, Luciana
has more than 26 years of experience as the Managing Director of the most
important packaging association in Brazil and one of the key ones in Latin
America, ABRE. She also has more than 20 years of experience involved in WPO.
Her most recent assignment in WPO was as Senior Vice President of Marketing, a
role that she will keep until November 2023.
“I am extremely excited about this opportunity and honoured
by this vote from WPO Board Members. I have dedicated over 20 years to support
and strengthen WPO because I believe in the huge positive impact we can make to
the global packaging community. Furthermore, it is a privilege to take over
from Pierre Pienaar after these inspiring years of his presidency and to lead
WPO ahead, counting on the support of WPO members, corporate partners and our
strategic market partners”, states Luciana.
On November 2023, during the 2nd WPO Board Meeting, Luciana
Pellegrino will announce the complete Executive Team to work with her from 2024
to 2026.
From the Editor
The retail of the future? More story and less store!
By Liliam Benzi*
What if retail could connect the physical and digital worlds
and, in addition, meet and especially anticipate the needs of the new consumer?
This was one of the many challenges launched at NRF 2023 Retail's Big Show
(www.nrfbigshow.nrf.com) and that is already shaking heads and companies, not
only in the industry, but throughout the chain. And when I say chain, I include
- and invite you to participate - the packaging industries. Simply because we
cannot stay out of this discussion.
To better understand the dimension of these trends, let's go
to a summary of the main points discussed and materialized in this show and
that were presented in an event of ABRE (Brazilian Packaging Association -
www.abre.org.br), at Cazoolo Lab (www.cazoololab.com.br), by professionals who
visited and experienced this flurry of novelties presented in four days in New
York.
According to Fabiana Wu, RFID manager at Avery Dennison
(www.averydennison.com), connecting the physical world to the digital world
continues to be the motto of digital transformation, and intelligent labels can
help create this connection and new opportunities for the chain.
And if retail is driven by people there is nothing more
obvious than understanding who these people are. Obvious, but not always easy.
Today we live in an omnichannel environment where the journey starts at one
point and ends at another. But in the future, the intelligence of things (IoT)
will allow the product to secure multi-layered opportunities based on the
preferences and behavior of that consumer, and whose recommendations will also
be based on data synthesis.
In other words: we need to end the friction and use
technologies to get more data and strategize continuously; the consumer's
purpose must be connected to the brand's purpose. Thus, the future belongs to
connected products that are born digital; the automation of the chain that is
mandatory for operational efficiency; the consumption experience in the store
that must be good but, even better, must promote the engagement of this
consumer with the post purchase experience.
On the other hand, the NRF took up the concept of 'back to
basics', proposing to rescue the meaning of retail. For Augusto Pereira,
Commercial Director of Beontag (www.beontag.com), this rescue may be the key to
dealing with current challenges such as high inflation and recessionary
prospects, difficulties in the supply chain and a reality of multiple crises (COVID,
war, political, environmental, global recession, etc.).
The executive also emphasized the concept of “people centric”
to ensure a performance based on truth and with a real purpose; where consumers
are really at the center of the decisions. Augusto summarizes: "The 'phygital'
(physical + digital) has no return, but the physical store will not die. There
will be a coexistence and integration, and the consumer will participate the
way they want, especially if the store guarantees attractiveness and
experience. A true social hub that connects people and brands and where we no
longer have customers, but guests."
The expert sees technologies and data in an environment of
experiences and efficiency, with automation prioritizing service, simplifying
the journey, and ensuring product authenticity. Sustainability will permeate
all these actions, based on the end of the era of abundance not only in retail,
but throughout the production chain, including, of course, packaging.
The “retail in flow” was another concept discussed at NRF
2023 and brought at the ABRE event by ESPM professor Ricardo Pastore.
"Retail in flow is the optimal state of experience and experience is
emotion. This edition of NRF taught us a lot about the shopping experience in a
mix of anxiety and boredom, remembering that little knowledge generates anxiety
and the young person who does not find challenges falls into boredom.
Therefore, it is up to retail to create this flow from data, to ensure the
fluidity of the process."
It is true that retail is re-emerging in the post-pandemic
availing itself of a lot of technology, but more influenced by community, behavior,
and the experience of people.
And what do retail's top CEOs think about all this?
According to Jacques Meir, CEO of CX Brain, they are relearning how to deal
with inflation; looking for efficiency and effectiveness with lots of
automation; effectively having a culture of diversity on the agenda; and lots
of use of data. "Consumer loyalty no longer makes sense, but recurrence
does, meaning that before loyalty must come preference."
And ensuring this preference, especially in generation Z
(people born between the second half of the 1990s to the beginning of the year
2010), means ensuring fluid personalization that accompanies the fluidity of
this generation of mutant consumers who bring complexity to retail and, if not
met, will become angry and may turn into haters. "If I could poetize, I
would say that 'the store is a canvas, and the customer experience is the
painting'."
The good news according to Alessandra Andrade of Retail
Thinker (www.varejo180.com.br) is that for every relevant problem there is a
solution. And a good part of these solutions was presented at NRF 23 by the 135
startups present, whose role is to eliminate hardware (dematerialize) and put data
that can be decoded by any business, democratizing it. "The value of a
startup is proportional to the market pain it will help solve," he
sentences.
Two final questions need to be answered, "Who is the
most important person in the brand?" and "What do culture and service
management build?". For Edmour Saiani of Reference Point (www.pdr.com.br),
the most important person in the brand is the guy in the gondola since the
customer is not part of the brand and is not loyal. Therefore, management and service
build just that relationship.
"We deal with a ‘bipolar’ client who pays less for what
is necessary and pays much more for what is desired; from subordinate, the
consumer has become the protagonist of this relationship. That is why it is
important to have at least 5% of products that are "crazy", viral,
and help the customer to get to know the brand", Edmour ponders. And he
adds: "The stores will NOT end, they will be the magnet to attract the
client. But they are no longer architecture, but a scenario where service,
affection, and education become the pillars to conquer the client and make him
come back. The store of the future - and the future is now! - is more story and
less store."
*Liliam Benzi is WPO Press & Communication Liaison
Officer and runs its own Communication & Strategy company for the packaging
industry, LDB Comunicação Empresarial.
"Sustainable packaging: from design to recycling"
was a conference organized by Latvijas Zalais punkts (The Green Dot of
Latvia/LZP) in cooperation with the WPO member, Packaging Association of Latvia
(LIA – www.packaging.lv), and the Latvia University of
Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU).
The event, that gathered around 150 Latvian and
international packaging industry specialists, had the WPO Vice President of
Sustainability & Save Food, Nerida Kelton, as a speaker, presenting how
packaging affects and can help the sustainability of society. Also from WPO,
the General Secretary, Johannes Bergmair, elaborated on the future of packaging
in the context of a circular economy and a sustainable society.
Iveta Krauja, the Chairperson of the LIA Board, introduced
the global recommendations for circular packaging design; she explained its
necessity to the Latvian packaging specialists and invited them to consider it
in their daily work. To help on this task, they can access the ‘Packaging
Design for Recycling Guide’, a WPO product that was translated to Latvian. The
guide highlights the responsible selection of materials for new packaging or
replacement of existing ones.
Other topics discussed in the conference included the planned
changes in the regulatory framework of the European Union (EU) and Latvia
regarding packaging and packaging waste; the green washing problem and
recommendations on how to avoid it; opportunities and challenges in the
transition to a more sustainable packaging; and discussions whether a
plastic-free society is possible.
Within the conference program, Johannes Bergmair visited the
Packaging Testing Laboratory of the Technology and Knowledge Transfer
Department at LBTU, focused on the research and development of save food
packaging and that provide systematical identification and research expertise
for product and packaging development. He also visited PET Baltija JSC, one of
the largest PET bottle recycling companies in Northern Europe. The company´s
recycled material represents around 9% of local packaging waste, being clean
material from Latvia Deposit system and the remaining 90% imported waste.
For more information, contact Iveta Krauja, the Chairperson
of the LIA Board, by e-mail [email protected].
Congratulations to the winners of Tunisian Student Star Pack
2023
The winners of ‘Tunisian Student Star Pack 2023’ were
announced during the International Exhibition of Packaging and Printing
PackPrint Tunisia 2023 (June 13-16). The Tunisian Packaging Technical Center
(PACKTEC), a WPO member, organized the Award competition and the ceremony that
took place on June 15.
This annual competition was addressed to all students with
packaging design projects or solutions in primary and secondary packaging,
grouping, packaging accessory, or POS. More than 30 projects participated in
this edition which objective was to value the work of the students and to incentive
them to follow a carreer in packaging, as well as to show the universities the
value of packaging to achieve the needs of the industry and of the society.
From the 30 participants, the jury selected 12 winners: 10
projects in the ‘Creativity and Innovation’ (efforts related to incentive the
purchasing, the use and the adaptation to the target markets)
and 02 projects in the ‘Technical’ category (innovation, improvement of
packaging, preservation of product quality, and easy implementation at the
various stages of manufacturing).
Istituto Italiano Imballaggio presents its strategic
guidance for 2022-2024
"The policy line of my chairmanship is based on the
principle of synergy between the components of our network, which includes the
spin off Packaging Meeting Srl and Fondazione Carta Etica del Packaging",
stated Alessandra Fazio, President of the Italian Packaging Institute, a WPO
member, explaining the guidelines behind her leadership's actions and
strategies for 2022-2024.
The program keywords are communication, training and related
companies. The communication is expressed through a specialist management of
the Linked In channel. Fondazione Carta Etica del Packaging is in charge of the
development of higher education projects and university masters, concluding
strategic agreements with major national universities, while Packaging Meeting
Srl has set up new expert courses for company technicians, organized in
collaboration with other associations.
About membership, the Instituto will launch a survey among companies
to identify niches of activity and new topics to develop, with emphasis in economic,
market and the process of internationalization. To reach these goals, there
will be also more organized and structured collaboration with other international
bodies.
For more information, send an e-mail to Alessandra Alessi, responsible
for Communication at the Instituto Italiano Imballaggio [email protected].
AGMPM General Meeting in Greece
The annual General Meeting of AGMPM, WPO member in Greece,
also included the election of the new Board of Directors and the approval of
the new statute. The first guest speaker of the meeting was Konstantinos
St. Psomopoulos that analyzed the holistic approach that governs the design of
packaging according to the requirements of the European Commission; he also
described the next steps to be implemented from 2025 to 2030.
Then the second guest speaker was the lawyer Giorgos
Konstantinopoulos that cited the evolution of the European legislation on
packaging and packaging waste (PPWR) legislation on SUPs and micro plastics; he
drew attention to the upcoming legislation in the form of a regulation,
focusing on some critical passages.
WPO wishes success to the new Board of Directors of AGMPM in
offering knowledge to its members and attending the demand of the Greek society
for valuable packaging information. For more information, contact Dimitris
Mandis by e-mail [email protected].
Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) celebrated its
57th Foundation Day
The Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP – www.iip-in.com), a Wpo
member, celebrated its 57th Foundation Day on May 14, in Mumbai. It was a full
house event with the participation of members from the industry and allied
sectors, stakeholders, universities and guests. Among the participant, WPO
Global Ambassador, Chakravarthi AVPS.
The event also witnessed a special Panel Discussion on ‘Sustainable packaging
towards green future: challenges & expectation’, moderated by leading
industry experts that shared their thoughts and visions.
On this historic day, IIP signed an official MOU to collaborate with various
institutions, universities and government bodies. The Institute also released a
special book on packaging designs, developed with the Government of India’s
ODOP Project. According to Rajesh Kumar Mishra: “Our 57th anniversary is the day
where we reflect upon the past, evaluate the present, and discuss the future.
Our members from all over India are here and it is proud moment for each one of
us.”
Recyclability of paper packaging discussed in Greece
WPO member in Greece, AGMPM, in collaboration with CEPI
(Confederation of European Paper Industries – www.cepi.org) and Interseroh+
GmbH (www.interseroh.plus), organized a webinar
about recyclability of paper packaging. The event was based in the new
harmonized method for controlling the recyclability of paper and cardboard,
published in October 2022; it also included presentations about the
certification of paper packaging recyclability "Made for Recycling",
developed by Interseroh+ as an strategic tool of the Interzero
organization.
The first part of the webinar was dedicated to the
presentation of CEPI´s actions, data on paper recycling in the European market
and the requirements of the proposal of the new European Packaging and
Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), highlighting the chapters on recyclability,
implementation schedule and recyclability criteria for paper packaging.
The second part described the activities of the Intezero
group, which is a large packaging waste manager in German responsible for recycling
the collected packaging. Biffa, Fraunhoffer lab also presented the recyclability
control methods of paper packaging for the Greek market, comparing PTS versus
CEPI. The event ended with a Q&A session and discussions about some examples
of certified packaging, the compatibility of packaging collection and
management systems in the EU, the possibility of managing packaging with food
contamination, the use of recycled materials in primary food packaging, and the
closed management loops of responsive packages.
The material of the event is available to members and
partners of AGMPM through the Secretariat and can be requested by e-mail [email protected].
Get ready to the 2nd International Packaging Congress in
Turkey
WPO member, ASD (Turkish Packaging Manufacturers Association
– www.ambalaj.org.tr), will organize the 2nd International Packaging Industry
Congress (December 07-08), in Istanbul. The purpose is to contribute to the
development of the packaging industry and related industries, bringing the
sector together with the production lines suppliers, researchers and
non-governmental organizations that support the industry. The main topics to be
discussed are:
Innovations in Packaging Technology
Packaging Printing and Graphics
The Future of the Packaging Industry
Industry 4.0 and Digitalization
Packaging Materials
Industrial Packaging & Dangerous Goods Packaging
Packaging and Shelf Life
Active and Intelligent Packaging
Innovation in Packaging
Sustainability in Packaging Industry & Circular Economy
Carbon Footprint in Packaging Industry
Innovations in the Packaging Recycling Technology
Role of Packaging in Prevention of Food Waste
Marketing and Consumer Trends
Packaging Design
Global Packaging Industry Statistics
Packaging Exports & Logistics
For more information, contact Aslihan Arikan, General
Secretary of ASD, by e-mail [email protected].
Training course on the measurement of equipment
effectiveness in Greece
WPO member in Greece, AGMPM, completed the 4th training
seminar of SYVIPYS on lean manufacturing; the main topic was the measurement
index of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). This index is considered a
reference point to the industry to measure the productivity of each process and
to determine the production cost and, by extension, the profitability of the
industrial facility, process, and work center.
The basis of the score is the use of lean production tools
to increase the availability in the production line, to adjust the speed to its
desired/nominal value, or to minimize the defective goods produced. The
seminar presented the theoretical calculation of the OEE and some examples from
the industry.
The minutes of the event are available to members and
partners of SYNIPYS and can be requested by e-mail [email protected].
New packaging design for circularity was discussed in
Indonesia
WPO Vice President Education, Henky Wibawa, was one of the
speakers in the webinar ‘New packaging design for circularity - Reducing waste
and keeping materials in the loop’, organized by WPO member, Indonesian
Packaging Federation (IPF - www.packindo.org) in
the beginning of June.
Other speakers were Prakash Raut, Product Manager APAC at
Ampacet, Richard Smith - Sustainability Director at Amcor Flexibles APAC, and
Putut Pramono - Head of Packaging at Nestle Indonesia. More than 500
professionals attended the webinar moderated by Gerry Darmawan, Innovation
Officer at IPF.
For more information, contact Ariana Susanti, Business
Development Director of IPF, by e-mail [email protected] or.
From the Board
WPO welcomed 03 new ‘Full Members’ during the Board Meeting
in interpack 2023
WPO approved three new ‘Full Members’ during its 109th Board
Meeting and the first of 2023 held at interpack on May 07, in Düsseldorf
(Germany). The new associations accepted as part of this global packaging
community are the Chamber of Printing and Packaging Industries (Egypt), the
Institut National du Design Packaging (France) and the Irish Packaging Society
(Ireland). As ‘Full Members’, all have the rigth to vote in WPO matters.
“It is extremely meaningful to WPO to get new members from
regions where we are not that active yet. This is a way of increasing our
presence in other regions and, most important, to contribute to the sustainable
development of local and global packaging industries. On the other hand, no
doubt these three new countries – Egypt, France and Ireland - will give
excellent inputs to WPO new projects and actions. So it is a ‘win win’
partnership”, celebrates WPO President, Pierre Pienaar.
Pierre thanked the Vice Presidents Soha Atallah (Events) and
Nerida Kelton (Sustainability & Save Food) for approaching these three new
Organisations and the General Secretary, Johannes Bergmair, for making their
membership process easy and quick.
WPO presented the new edition of ‘WorldStar Pack Trends Report’ at interpack 2023
WPO launched during its 109th Board Meeting at interpack
2023, the new edition of the ‘WorldStar Packaging Trends Report’ that identify
and analyse the main innovation seen in the winning packages of the WorldStar
Awards and the Student WorldStar in 2023. Pierre Pienaar, WPO President, says:
“The document is becoming a valuable source of information about packaging
innovation and trends based on the incredible packages we see among the winners
of these two global packaging competitions organized by WPO”.
“The idea is to bring, in each edition, not only the main
trends seen among WorldStar and Student Worldstar winners, but also to relate
these trends to macro trends in packaging, consumption and in each industry
that uses packaging”, completes Liliam Benzi, WPO Press and Communication
Liaison Officer, responsible for the content of the ‘WorldStar Packaging Trends
Report’.
According to Liliam and based in markets´ researches, the
main guidelines to the packaging industry in 2023, are:
Retro & Vintage packaging
Ubiquity of e-commerce
Unboxing experience
Digital twin technology
The metaverse
Packaging and technology are uniquely intertwined
ROI considerations
Digitalization for converters
Sustainable packaging
Smart packaging (intelligent, active and connected)
“The ‘WorldStar Packaging Trends Report’ also identified
some major technologies that should impact the packaging industry in 2023. And
they are: Automation, Big Data Analytics, Robotics, Smart & Connected
Packaging, Virtual Reality/3D, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning,
Cloud Computing, and the Metaverse”, completes Luciana Pellegrino, Senior Vice
President Marketing of WPO.
“Based on the information presented in the new edition of
‘WorldStar Packaging Trends Report’, we can have a clear idea of the value of
the packaging that participate in WorldStar. WPO Awards are definetely the best
showcase in the world for packaging innovation and we incentive the global
packaging industry to participate. Packaging elegible to WorldStar are the ones
that has been awarded in a local packaging competition organized by a WPO
member or recognized by WPO. You can have more information at our webpage www.worldstar.org”, explains Soha Atallah, WPO Vice President
Events and WorldStar Coordinator.
WPO President, Pierre Pienaar, at
Fispal Tecnologia 2023
WPO President, Pierre Pienaar, was a keynote speaker in the
Packaging Forum at Arena FispalTec, one of the attractions of Fispal Tecnologia
that took place in São Paulo (Brazil), from June 27 to 30. Pierre´s
presentation was about “Packaging - perspectives for the future”.
WPO was also part of the ‘Packaging Boulevard’, a special
area, hosted by WPO local member ABRE (Brazilian Packaging Association), that
presented packaging that won regional competitions in Argentina, Brazil, Chile,
Cuba and Mexico, as well as some winners of WorldStar, the global packaging
competition organized by WPO.
“The ‘Packaging Boulevard’ was perfect to engage with WPO
members in Latin America and to increase WPO participation in the region,
presenting all our activities and showing how we can contribute to the
development of the packaging sector globally”, explains, Pierre Pienaar.
According to Luciana Pellegrino, Executive Director of ABRE,
Senior Vice President of Marketing and recently elected WPO President (assuming
on November 25), “Fispal Tecnologia is a very important and special occasion
for the packaging industry in Brazil and in Latin America, and a great
opportunity to incentivize innovation in packaging, inspiring the visitors with
the awarded packaging from different parts of the world.”
Get ready to the second WPO Board Meeting in November 2023
The Institute of Packaging South Africa (IPSA) looks forward to warmly welcoming all the WPO members for the next WPO meetings, which will be held in Cape Town from 20-24 November 2023. All the meetings will be held at the vibrant V&A Waterfront.
An outline of the meeting schedules is given below. During your stay, IPSA will be arranging various sight-seeing options and experiences, for you to fully experience the beauty of the Cape. We are also excited to announce that the winners of our prestigious local industry awards program – The Gold Pack & Afristar Awards – will be announced and their awards presented at an African feasting banquet, taking place on Tuesday evening, 21 November. IPSA would be honoured to host any official WPO members at this Awards event.
As November is a busy season in Cape Town, please do not delay in booking your accommodation. We have created a user-friendly interactive map. The map shows the location of the meetings (Workshop 17 at The Watershed, 17 Dock Road) and all the hotel/accommodation options nearby. As you click on each location icon on the map, a pop-up window will open, giving more information and approximate rates for each hotel. Many of these hotels are in safe walking distance from the meeting venue. We also would recommend using one of the on-line services such as Booking.com or AirBnB.com to find a wider range of accommodation.
A registration form will be sent out in early August, where you can confirm your attendance for each meeting and for the various sight-seeing and social activities. We will also ask you to confirm where you are staying so that we can connect groups staying in the same locations.
If you have any questions, concerns or difficulties with your booking, you are welcome to contact Bill Marshall [email protected] for assistance. If you require an invitation letter for your visa and travel arrangements, please send your full name and passport number to Bill Marshall and the invitation will be sent to you.
Monday
20 November - Press Briefing
14h00
- 16h00
Workshop17
Tuesday
21 November - Executive Meeting (Exec members only)
09h00
- 17h00
Workshop17
(and Zoom) Evening:
Gold Pack Awards Dinner - Official WPO delegates as guests of the Institute of
Packaging SA
Wednesday
22 November - Working Groups
14h00
- 17h00
Workshop17
(and Zoom) Morning:
Optional Cape Town inner city tour incl. Table Mountain. Costs and details to
follow
Friday
24 November - Winelands Tour Costs
and details to follow
WorldStar
WorldStar 2024 is open for entries!
WorldStar Awards, the global packaging
competition organized by WPO, has just announced the registration of the 2024
edition is open until October 15, 2023. The registration process is quite
simple and is all online via the site www.worldstar.org.
Packages eligible for WorldStar Awards are
those that have already received a national or regional packaging award from a
packaging competition that is recognized by WPO, during the last 2 years. “Our
aim is to promote packaging innovation in various sectors, proving that a good
package can be an essential solution to many of the modern problems, especially
sustainability and circular economy, food waste and save food, digitalization,
retail, and e-commerce. That´s why we encourage all the companies from around
the world to benefit from this global opportunity to promote their packaging by
competing with the best of the best packaging innovation on a global platform”,
explains Soha Atallah, WPO Vice President Events and WorldStar Coordinator.
The expectation is that the 2024 edition
surpasses the record of the 2023 that registered 488 entries, from 41
countries. “The numbers confirm that WorldStar is the most prestigious and
important packaging award in the globe”, celebrates Pierre Pienaar, WPO
President. And adds: “It was a phenomenal success not only in number of entries
but in the increase of the participation from the Arab region, like Lebanon,
Jordan, Tunisia, Egypt, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. This sends a clear message to
the world: WPO is a unique organization whose mission is to contribute to the
development of a sustainable global packaging community. With the WorldStar
recognition, we go beyond our vision: ‘Better quality of life, through better
packaging, for more people’”.
Luciana Pellegrino, WPO Senior Vice
President Marketing and recently elected President (assuming on November 25),
completes: “From a global to a local perspective, the WorldStar Awards
showcases global trends in packaging around the globe highlighting how each region is addressing packaging innovation. And from a
local to global one, winners from each country gain visibility and recognition
on a global level, opening doors for business opportunities”.
For the 2024 edition, the Beverage category
was divided into ‘Alcoholic’ and ‘Non Alcoholic’. “The continuous updating of WorldStar,
according to the global packaging industry demands, echoes the importance of
packaging innovation on a global level, fostering science, technology and
innovation, recognizing and encouraging packaging professionals to go beyond,
and engaging brands, packaging companies and design offices for greater
possibilities”, states Soha Atallah.
The 2024 WorldStar judging process will take
place during November 2023 and the announcement of winners is scheduled to January
2024. Information on the Awards Ceremony and Gala Evening will be communicated
in January 2024.
Winners of WorldStar Packaging Awards 2023
and Student WorldStar were awarded during interpack 2023
WPO awarded in interpack 2023 (Düsseldorf,
May 04-10), the winners of WorldStar 2023 and WorldStar Student during a Gala
Ceremony on May 06 at Messe Düsseldorf. 140 companies, from a total of 228
winners, were present to receive their trophies. In a record edition, the
WorldStar registered 488 entries, from 41 countries; in the previous edition
(2022) there were 440 competitors from 37 countries. “These numbers confirm
that WorldStar is the most prestigious and important packaging award on the
globe, and interpack was the perfect place to award these incredible packages”,
celebrates Soha Atallah, WorldStar Coordinator and WPO Vice President of
Events.
During the Gala dinner, the WPO also
awarded the winners - Gold, Silver and Bronze - of the Special Categories -
Marketing, Sustainability, Accessible Packaging, and Packaging that Saves Food.
“These Special Categories reinforce the importance and power of the main trends
in packaging. We highly recommend that companies apply for WorldStar.
Participating and winning WorldStar is a global recognition and puts your
packaging in a different and prestigious level”, states WPO President, Pierre
Pienaar.
Another Special Category awarded during the
ceremony was the ‘President´s Award’. In this case, from all the entries
received, Pierre Pienaar chose the one that represents the main innovation and
differentiation in the packaging industry.
“Packages eligible for WorldStar Awards are
those that have already received a national or regional packaging award from a
packaging competition that is recognized by WPO, during the past two years. The
aim is to promote packaging innovation in various sectors, proving that good
packaging can be the essential solution to many of the modern problems,
especially sustainability in consumption chains, prevention of food waste,
extension of shelf life, safety and consumer convenience”, adds Luciana
Pellegrino, Senior Vice President of Marketing and President elected of WPO to
assume on November 25.
Worldstar Student 2024 competition is open for entries
Zeynep Ozel receiving her award at WorldStar 2023 Ceremony
WPO’s WorldStar Student Competition is open
for entries that can be submitted online at https://www.worldstarstudent.org/site/apply/.
The competition is designed to encourage and highlight the talents of students
across the globe as well as showcasing new and innovative ideas and thinking in
the field of packaging. Student winners are given the opportunity to gain
professional acknowledgement and exposure through WPO’s global publicity
platforms. The prizes rank from an overall top three scoring submissions, which
will be awarded the Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals accordingly.
The competition has introduced ‘Market
Categories’ this year, and the top scoring submission in each category will
achieve an award. These categories are: Food, Beverage, Household, and Health
& Personal Care; other market category awards may also be given subject to
the number and type of entries received for each. Special
Awards will additionally be given to the top scoring entries against specific
criteria, namely: Marketing Appeal, Sustainability and Save Food Packaging.
The WorldStar Student competition is open
to students enrolled in collegiate-level design program or packaging
engineering program (undergraduate or graduate) anywhere in the world, who have
already won an award at a national/multi-national competition for students
organized or recognized by that country’s or region’s WPO member organization
(National Packaging Body). Students from countries without a National Packaging
Body can enter through a National Student Competition, which is recognized by
WPO or any other WPO member organization.
The closing date for entries is 01 November
2023. The WorldStar Student is coordinated by WPO member in South Africa, IPSA
(www.ipsa.org.za).
“Looking through the lens of WPO members,
sustainability is ever-evolving, dynamic and in a flux of change subject”,
states Nerida Kelton, WPO Vice President Sustainability & Save Food. She
explains the document is the result of recent discussions among 21 countries,
WPO members (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), about the latest trends, barriers, challenges and initiatives
within their country and region.
”What is interesting is that the sentiment
is the same in every corner of the globe. Whilst a lot is happening in circular
and sustainable design, a lot more needs to be done to realistically be able to
meet packaging and waste targets globally, regionally and locally”, adds
Nerida. The common themes are designing out waste at the start, eliminating
problematic materials, phasing out single use plastics, incorporating more
recycled content into products, and ensuring that the materials and packaging
that is put out into the market is in fact capable of being collected, sorted,
recycled, reprocessed and put back into other solution.
Moving soft plastics and flexible packaging to
mono material formats that can be recycled and/or reprocessed through Advanced
Recycling facilities, Kerbside collection or Return to Store programs.
Establishing Single Use Plastics (SUP)
Regulations.
Improving Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)
capabilities and technologies.
Building Advanced/Chemical Recycling facilities.
Developing Consumer Education for Recycling.
Creating on-pack labelling programs to help
guide consumers to recycle correctly.
“With so much happening across the world,
WPO offers a unique platform to be able to bring developed and developing
countries together, in one room, to regularly and openly discuss what is
happening globally, regionally and locally”, celebrates Pierre Pienaar, WPO
President. According to him, “The Sustainability & Save Food working group
is a strong and passionate team of packaging experts from across the world who
are all working towards circular design. The group learns from one another, and
we hope that members take some of the ideas and programs back to their own
country to implement. WPO recognises that no country can do this by themselves.
By sharing knowledge, on not only the positive sides of sustainability, will
enable all of us to have a clearer view on what needs to be done in our own
regions to meet global, regional and local packaging and waste targets.”
“Everyone has a role to play to ensure that
packaging is being designed to provide the lowest environmental impacts
wherever possible and that the materials and formats are fit-for-purpose,
functional and truly capable of being collected, sorted, recycled and
reprocessed in the country that it is sold in”, ends
Nerida.
Special Article
Circular Economy in packaging: a sustainable solution to waste
By Jopack*
The world is facing a waste crisis. Every
year, we produce over 2 billion tons of waste, and only a small fraction of it
is recycled. This waste is a major contributor to climate change, pollution,
and environmental degradation.
One way to address this crisis is to
transition to a circular economy. A circular economy is an economic system that aims to eliminate waste and pollution by keeping
products and materials in use for as long as possible. This can be done through
a variety of strategies, such as:
Reusing packaging - This is the most
sustainable option, as it eliminates the need to produce new packaging
altogether. Many companies are now offering reusable packaging options, such as
refillable bottles and containers.
Recycling packaging - When reuse is not
possible, recycling is the next best option. Recycling helps to reduce the
amount of waste that goes to landfills and incinerators, and it also conserves
resources.
Designing packaging for circularity - Companies
can design their packaging to be more sustainable by using recycled materials,
making it easier to disassemble and recycle, and making it more durable so that
it lasts longer.
The transition to a circular economy in
packaging will require a concerted effort from businesses, governments, and
consumers. However, it is a necessary step in order to protect the environment
and ensure a sustainable future.
Benefits of a Circular Economy in packaging
There are many benefits to transitioning to
a circular economy in packaging and these benefits include:
Reduced waste – A circular economy in
packaging can help to reduce the amount of waste produced. This is because
products and materials are used for longer, which means that less waste is
generated.
Conserved resources – A circular economy in
packaging can help to conserve resources. This is because products and
materials are reused or recycled, which means that less virgin materials need
to be extracted from the environment.
Reduced pollution - A circular economy in
packaging can help to reduce pollution. This is because less waste is produced,
which means that there is less pollution from landfills and incinerators.
Improved environmental quality - A circular
economy in packaging can help to improve environmental quality. This is because
less waste and pollution means that the environment is cleaner and healthier.
Challenges of a Circular Economy in packaging
There are also some challenges to
transitioning to a circular economy in packaging and they include:
Cost - The cost of designing and producing
sustainable packaging can be higher than the cost of traditional packaging.
This is because sustainable packaging often requires the use of recycled
materials or new technologies.
Consumer acceptance - Consumers may be
reluctant to switch to sustainable packaging, especially if it is more
expensive or inconvenient. This is because consumers are often used to
traditional packaging and may not be familiar with sustainable alternatives.
Government support - Governments need to
provide support for the transition to a circular economy in packaging. This can
be done by providing financial incentives, regulations, and other measures.
Conclusion
The transition to a circular economy in
packaging is a complex challenge, but it is essential for protecting the
environment and ensuring a sustainable future. There are many benefits to a
circular economy in packaging, but there are also some challenges. However,
with the concerted effort of businesses, governments, and consumers, the
transition to a circular economy in packaging is possible.
*This article was written by the experts
from JoPack (Jordan National Packaging Center), a WPO member. For more
information visit www.jopack.org.
Special Article
Packaging design in Cuba: the successfull ‘Premio Envases y Embalajes 2023’
The 2023 edition of ‘Packaging and Packaging Award’ in Cuba
achieved all its objectives: to promote the state of art in packaging and
packaging manufacturing industry; to promote the technological development; and
to motivate innovators. It also promoted opportunities for the exchange of
information between the different actors of the economy that, in one way or
another, are related to the container and packaging sector. The competition is
organized by WPO member, CNEE (Centro Nacional de Envases y Embalajes), and
winners are eligible to WorldStar Awards, the global packaging competiton
organized by WPO.
Between January to May 2023, CNEE received the projects
which were evaluated by a selected jury. In this edition, 12 products participated
in 03 categories - beverage; cosmetics and personal care; food and other
products. There were also projects participanting in the Student category, in
the food, medical and pharmaceutical categories, and the winners are also
eligible to Student WorldStar, from WPO.
The participants were:
Cardboard box for shrimps - Conga
Corrugated cardboard box for precooked whole lobster - Caribbean
Queen
Metal cases for the Cohíba, Montecristo and Guantanamera
coffee
Case for sweets - Producciones León
Boxes of assorted fine artisan chocolates - Guamá
La Molinera paper bag
Eau de toilette D Havana for men
Sanitary pads - Tiana
Elixir de Ron Dorado Los Marinos cross-footed
Rum El Valle de Cuba Superior Carte Blanche
Arecha Gold Rum
Case, bag and band for Guayabera - Criolla
Based on the evaluation criteria defined in the contest
rules, the jury composed by industrial and visual communication designers from
the National Design Office, decided to award three Prizes and two Mentions. The
award ceremony was held on May 18, at the Casa de la Amistad, chaired by the
Vice Minister of Industries, and with the presence of guests from various
industrial sectors and representatives of the winning entities.
And the winners are….
Beverage
Prize
Elixir de Ron Dorado Los Marinos cross-footed
Institution: EMBER Santiago de Cuba
Spirit drink packaged in a glass bottle, which rescues on
its label and back label the graphic that represented the product for several
years. In this way, nostalgia is alluded to the history of rum, which attracts
a large part of Cuban consumers.
Mention
Ron El Valle de Cuba. Superior Carte Blanche
Institution: EMBER Pinar del Río
The graphic of the packaging of El Valle de Cuba rum shows
cleanliness in the composition of the informative elements for the consumer.
This is combined with the use of blank spaces, which enhance its condition as
carte blanche rum. The spirit drink is packaged in a glass bottle, which
visually appeals to an icon of the province of Pinar del Río, the Viñales
Valley, declared by UNESCO: Cultural Landscape of Humanity.
Mention
Line of metal cases for the Cohíba,
Montecristo and
Guantanamera coffee brands
Institution: Cubacafe
The packaging line faithfully represents the pairing of
prestigious cigar brands. The selection of the container allows the consumer
that the product can be preserved after being opened for the first time. At the
same time, the packaging provides the user with easy handling during
consumption.
Cosmetics and personal care products
Award
Eau de toilette: S&C D Habana for man
Institution: Suchel Camacho SA
Glass container intended to contain a fragrance that
constitutes an olfactory tribute to courage and masculine audacity. The upper
part of the cap uses Mercury, a warrior of commerce, messenger of the gods,
equipped with winged ankles and helmets. The case is made with an adequate
selection of materials and finishes that provide elegance and distinction,
through a symbol of Old Havana, such as the Lonja del Comercio. To do this, use
the sculpture of the building, on its cover. The range of blues, applied in the
graphics of the case, is linked to masculinity and the sea that surrounds our
country and especially the capital. The use of texts in two languages (Spanish
and English) is pertinent, which allows expanding the market niche,
highlighting the values of our City in unison.
Packaging for other products
Prize
Case, bag and band for the Guayabera Criolla
Institutions: Durero Caribe SA and BOGA
The case and the bag show the graphic concept of the
guayabera pocket, which owes its name to that element that, due to its size,
allowed the guavas to be stored. The primary (box) and secondary (bag)
packaging manage to protect the product and value the national clothing, which
due to its presentation allows a positive transmission of its content and
becomes an excellent gift option.
The Institute of Packaging Professionals
Kenya (IOPP Kenya – www.ioppk.com) a WPO member, organized the
‘Kenya Packaging Summit 2023’, last March, in Nairobi. The event was the first
of its kind in the continent and aimed to bring together industry
professionals, stakeholders, and experts to collaborate on common
packaging-related issues.
The theme of the event was ‘Sustainable
packaging for brands and exports’ with a focus on discussing new technologies,
best practices, and regulations for sustainable packaging in the context of
brands and exports.
IOPPK main goal is to provide education and
training to enhance packaging skills; this has been a target since the creation
of the Institute 10 years ago. The Institute believes that to enhance the
industry's skills, it is essential to bring the industry together to discuss
common challenges. For this reason, the event will become annual and the
Institute hopes that it will continue to serve as a platform for collaboration
and knowledge sharing among industry professionals.
Among the speakers in this first edition, WPO
President, Pierre Pienaar; Joseph Nyongesa, CEO of IOPP Kenya; Angela Kinyua,
Portfolio Director of Montgomery Group East Africa; and Ali Badarneh, Division
Chief at UNIDO.
WPO Vice President of Events and WorldStar Coordinator, Soha
Atallah, also participated launching the Ken StarPak National Packaging Awards
and the Student Awards. The winners of both Kenyan awards will be eligible to
Afristar Awards and to WorldStar Awards and Student WorldStar, both programs
organized by WPO.
According to Pierre Pienaar, WPO President,
“Kenya is leading the way in this forum in East Africa. It shows the importance
that the African region gives to packaging and ensures they are aware of what
is happening globally”.
The success of the Kenya Packaging Summit
2023 highlights the importance of the collaboration and the knowledge sharing
among industry professionals to promote sustainable packaging practices. The
next edition of ‘Kenya Packaging Summit is scheduled to March 11th, 2024.
For more information, send an e-mail to
Zippy Shiyoya [email protected].
Credits:
Electronic publication from WPO – World Packaging Organisation – www.worldpackaging.org
Coordination: WPO’s President: Pierre Pienaar / WPO’s General Secretary: Johannes Bergmair / ABRE – Brazilian Packaging Association: Luciana Pellegrino
Contribution: WPO Members
Publishing: ABRE – Brazilian Packaging Association – www.abre.org.br
Responsible Editor: IPPO Member Liliam Benzi - Journalist Mtb 19.352 – Brazil – [email protected]
Diagramming: Formato Editoração e Design - Saulo Pacheco
WPO – World Packaging Organization
pienaarpierre
(+ 55 11) 99989-1597 
liliambenzi 
The 2023 edition of ‘Packaging and Packaging Award’ in Cuba
achieved all its objectives: to promote the state of art in packaging and
packaging manufacturing industry; to promote the technological development; and
to motivate innovators. It also promoted opportunities for the exchange of
information between the different actors of the economy that, in one way or
another, are related to the container and packaging sector. The competition is
organized by WPO member, CNEE (Centro Nacional de Envases y Embalajes), and
winners are eligible to WorldStar Awards, the global packaging competiton
organized by WPO.
