Great to meet you over here again! I am thrilled to share with you some news and key steps taken since last edition and invite you for a gripping snapshot of WPO Members’ activities around the globe.
My first months as President of WPO have been very exciting and inspiring about the great opportunities we have ahead to take WPO beyond. Also, from a personal perspective, it has been so magnifying, insightful and a pleasant experience to work closer to WPO Members, secretariat, and strategic partners from our global industry, moving towards our goals: connecting the packaging ecosystem worldwide and raising the voice for packaging to strengthen packaging’s positive impact in society.
The Executive Team has been announced counting with 4 Vice
Presidencies: Marketing, Sustainability & Save Food, Education and
Governance, and I am thrilled to welcome on board Soha Atallah, Nerida Kelton,
Kofi Essuman and Magnus Sidling.
It is rewarding to see how they embraced their portfolios so
rapidly, highlighting some outcomes respectively: a packed agenda of trade
shows that WPO will attend in 2024 + an outstanding WorldStar ceremony, in June,
in Bangkok; a new paper on Saving Food coming out of the oven together with
UNIDO; all the 07 education programs for the year mapped and under planning;
best practices, governance and transparency procedures being implemented, as
per Concept Notes for each WPO activity.
Also WPO's Ambassadors have been announced, and I am proud
to count with Chakravarthi AVPS, Iva Werbynská, Ahmed Alex Omah, Tuti Buntaran
and Silvio Colombo as vocal representatives of WPO around the world.
Last but not least, I take this opportunity to share 03
special highlights and key understandings from my recent attendance to ANUGA FoodTec
show:
I. Taking place in Germany, the first non-packaging show WPO
attended counting with a booth, side events and a bold delegation: Nerida
Kelton - VP for Sustainability & Save Food, Nathália Antoniazzi - WPO’s Secretariat,
and Johannes Bergmair - General Secretary, together with myself.
It was so important to have WPO in presence and available to
interact with the global community, sharing references on packaging and welcoming
in our booth members, strategic partners as Gunther Berge, Managing Director of
UNIDO, and different organizations that looked up for us to connect with our
global packaging community. Also great to meet in person Matthias Schlüter and
Claire Steinbrück from Köelnmesse, the show organizer.
Key Insight: open for new connections. Only together we can
escalate new possibilities and solutions in packaging for a greater impact in
society.
Nerida Kelton - VP WPO, Dejene Tereza - Director UNIDO, Luciana Pellegrino – President WPO, Gunther Beger - Managing Director UNIDO.
Yanni Zhang – Assistant CPF, Li Hua – President CPF,
Luciana Pellegrino – President WPO, Nerida Kelton – Vice President WPO, Assistant CPF.
II. During ANUGA FoodTec I had the privilege of
participating, for the first time, in a panel about Female Leadership, together
with four great women from our field, from Germany and from United States. The
room was packed, showing that such kind of forums and opportunities are
fundamental, both for inspiring and for building the sense of a community that
supports women in this path. More and more, we see woman occupying strategic
positions in the packaging industry, but in many countries the lack of
infrastructure elevates their challenge, specially if they have children.
Key Insight: it is crucial that companies take a bold
position to support and drive a fruitful environment within the company and in
society that will enable more women to pursue and grow in their careers.
Dr. Katharina Riehn - moderator, Susann Vierbauch, Isabelle Umlandt,
Laura Jung, Luciana Pellegrino and Cheryl Rock.
III. The show that connects packaging with the food sector
showcased trends that are reshaping the landscape in our industry:
1. Recycle ready - brands and converters are speeding up
packaging R&D to be recyclable, simplifying packaging structures to meet
this goal, presenting friendly experiences to separate components when
necessary, even if a paper structure from its plastic film coating.
2. Optimization - not new but in the spot light again,
efficiency is the key word either in processes and automation, or in lighter
and smarter packaging structures: ‘less is more’ and for that definitely a lot
of technology is needed!
3. AI was spotted in conversations here and there, focused
on new AI tools that will support to rethink packaging structure seeking
optimization, innovation, among others.
4. From B2B to B2C: not every technology or process seen in
the show is visible for consumers, since many of the solutions displayed are
there seeking to enter the market, as per many new coated paper based packaging
for fresh or frozen food or meat trays. However, the target of circularity
embraces both - B and C, and brands are taking a bold step to communicate
recyclability and recycle content in the front panel of its products on the
shelf, in multiples categories. Finally: we cannot shift packaging from linear
to circular without consumers, and also municipalities. It is on the way!
Key Insight: is your packaging dialoging about
sustainability with your customers?
Different moments at Anuga Food Tech
Our appreciation for Koelnmesse leadership for welcoming WPO to Anuga Food Tech 2024! Looking forward to the next edition!
Let’s keep in touch! Looking forward to sharing more in our
next edition. In the meantime, follow WPO in the social medias and don’t miss
WPO’s webinars announced via Linkedin or at our webiste!
Dear members, we look forward to meeting
you again in Bangkok, Thailand, at our next WPO Meetings, set to take place
alongside ProPak Asia from July 12th to 15th. This series of meetings marks a
pivotal moment for WPO, bringing together WPO members and corporate partners of
WPO, which are key stakeholders and industry leaders from around the globe.
The WPO Board Meeting is a unique opportunity
for members to convene in person, fostering collaboration, innovation, and
strategic discussions. In a world where virtual meetings have become the norm,
we recognize the value of face-to-face interactions in driving meaningful
progress and shaping the future of packaging. Therefore, as agreed by the
board, this meeting will only take place in person and there is no possibility
for members to join us online. However, if you keep an eye on WPO's social
media you will surely stay in touch with a bit of what is going on there.
Below you can find the previous schedule of
events and meetings. This schedule provides a diverse range of activities, from
thought-provoking discussions on industry trends to celebrations of packaging
excellence through the WorldStar Ceremony. Attendees can expect engaging
sessions that delve into topics such as sustainability, innovation, and market
trends, providing invaluable insights to guide their organizations forward.
Schedule Overview:
WPO Executive Meeting - June 11th, 9:00 am
to 5:00 pm
Opening Ceremony and AIP Conference - June
12th
UNIDO APF WPO Informa Round Table - June
13th, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
WPO/Informa Innovation Stage - June 13th,
1:30 pm to 5:00 pm
WPO Working Groups - June 13th, 3:00 pm to
5:00 pm
WPO Board Meeting - June 14th, 9:00 am to
5:00 pm
Corporate partners cocktail party – June
14th, 5:30pm
WorldStar Ceremony - June 15th, 6:30 pm
We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to
reconnect with colleagues, forge new partnerships, and collectively advance the
global packaging industry. Join us in Bangkok as we come together to shape the
future of packaging at the WPO Board Meeting alongside ProPak Asia. We look
forward to seeing you there!
WPO at Anuga FoodTec
In March, between the 19th and 22nd, WPO
took part for the first time in non-packaging show, making its debut at Anuga
FoodTec in Cologne, Germany, with the aim of raising the voice of packaging and
exposing in a food trade show the importance of packaging in the roll to
prevent food from becoming waste and to increase the shelf life of food.
On this occasion, WPO took part in a series
of events and activities with strategic partners and members. Highlights
included the visit of UNIDO's Director General to the WPO stand, the
participation of President Luciana Pellegrino in the Female Leadership Event
and the participation of Nerida Kelton in two panels, namely Content Pro vs.
Contra-The Eco-friendly Food Packaging and Science Slam-Sustainable packaging.
Matthias Schlüter - Director Koelnmesse, Nerida Kelton – VP WPO,
Luciana Pellegrino – President WPO, Claire Steinbrück - VP Koelnmesse,
Johannes Bergmair – General Secretary WPO.
Luciana Pellegrino – President WPO, Johannes Bergmair – General Secretary WPO,
Nerida Kelton – VP WPO.
The reinvention of consumption and commerce. Are you ready?
By Liliam Benzi*
Through deep transformations in the modern consumers behavior, brings some concepts that need to be considered: 'polyopportunities', 'regenerativist brands', 'composable commerce', 'composable technology', 'ecoshame', and 'deep branding'. And if it affects retail, it affects packaging!
A new era of consumerism is reshaping commerce. For new
consumers, orders must be made with a click, delivery must be fast, and
shipping free. This is what is expected of modern retail as sentenced by expert
Edmur Saiani, from Ponto de Referência, at the post-NRF (Big Retail Show)
event, organized by WPO member, ABRE (Brazilian Packaging Association).
Life experiences, combined with new technological resources,
generate a set of new expectations and new behaviors. Thus, NRF is no longer a
fair about technology but becomes a stage to show how this technology
transforms the business and its dynamics. And if it impacts retail, it impacts
packaging.
Retail fulfills the promise of the brand, materialized in
the packaging, and becomes the end hero. And we can no longer think of
generation Y or Z, but in “tribes of one”; speaking to many in a customized
manner for one. Yes, this is the challenge imposed by the new human being who
still carries along a certain 'ecoshame' that impels them to consume less and
better and is moved by the maxim: “show me your values, but I will buy
according to mine.”
A consumer emerges who wants to buy everything their way,
wherever they are, and receiving it immediately, but who also wants to learn
and know who they can trust. And if companies do not pay attention to all these
signals, they will somehow discover that this consumer knows the brand and the
product better than its manufacturer.
In the pre-pandemic period, we lived in a universe with
hierarchy, competition, control, repetition, and ownership. Today we talk about
autonomy, cooperation, trust, innovation, access, testing, and betting. The
pre-pandemic was for subordinate people; today is for protagonists, and this is
independent of the generation they belong to. Today is also full of
‘polyopportunities’ and then come the ‘regenerativist’ brands that regenerate
and are activists at the same time. So: regenerate and activate as much as you
can!
And as this is the moment of truth, ‘deep branding’ (brands
with depth) gains strength: promised, delivered. All within a universe of
‘composable commerce’ (composed commerce) that gathers all resources through
‘composable technology’ (composed technology); and everything has to do with
personalization.
The 'composable commerce', used in the context of
e-commerce, describes a modular approach in creating e-commerce platforms. It
allows companies to select and integrate different technology components or
services, according to their specific needs and business objectives.
Unlike traditional e-commerce solutions, which tend to be
monolithic and inflexible, 'composable commerce' offers flexibility and agility
for companies to quickly adapt to market changes, consumer demands, and
technological innovations. This is achieved through the use of APIs
(Application Programming Interfaces), microservices, and cloud-based
approaches.
From a technical and market perspective, 'composable
commerce' represents a significant evolution in e-commerce, as it aligns
technological capabilities with business strategies more dynamically and
efficiently. Moreover, this approach encourages innovation, collaboration
between different technology providers, and continuous optimization of business
processes.
And for the magic of 'composable commerce' to happen,
'composable technology' is needed, a design and development approach to IT
systems that emphasizes modularity, flexibility, and interoperability.
Essentially, it is about building systems by combining independent components,
which can be easily integrated, replaced, reused, or updated without affecting
the rest of the system.
The idea behind 'composed technology' is to allow companies to
create customized solutions that adapt to their specific needs, rather than
depending on rigid and difficult-to-modify software packages. This technology
can help organizations be more agile and innovative, responding quickly to
market changes and customer demands. We are talking about a competitive
advantage through differentiation by offering personalized and optimized user
experiences.
These insights perceived at NRF 2024 – 'polyopportunities',
'regenerativist brands', 'composable commerce', 'composable technology',
'ecoshame', and 'deep branding', point to one path: it is necessary to promote
a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, starting from updates of
strategies and/or replacement of approaches, without interrupting existing
systems. This way, companies will be able to adapt and constantly evolve in a
market of continuous and rapid transformation.
*Liliam Benzi is the Editor of WPO News, WPO Press &
Communication Liaison Officer and runs its own Communication & Strategy
company for the packaging industry, LDB Comunicação Empresarial ([email protected]). She was recognized ‘Packaging Professional
of the Year’ in Brazil.
Definitely packaging design was the protagonist during the
Milano Design Week 2024 (April 15-21). One good example was the “PACKAGING:
OPEN ACCESS" exhibition focused on innovation in packaging design. It was proposed
by the Best Packaging 2024 contest which curator is WPO member, Istituto
Italiano Imballaggio (www.istitutoimballaggio.it) and Fondazione Carta Etica del
Packaging.
The contest examined the complex topic of accessibility to
packaged products, divided into different aspects, ranging from easy opening to
clear and transparent information on the packaging. The principle that consumer
must have ‘easy access’ to the product, is in accordance to the #4 value of the
Ethical Charter of Packaging - a manifesto of good packaging - which inspires
the contest since 2015.
The exhibition was also an opportunity to talk about
technical, communication, design and legislative issues that revolve around the
accessibility of packaging. During the entire design week, there were several
moments of training and dissemination of the technical-scientific culture of
packaging. The show opened officially on April 15, with the presentation of
Camilla Sernagiotto´s book, entitled "No deadline".
WPO participated in one of the side events, the Masterclass ‘Packaging
design for recycling’, given by General Secretary, Johannes Bergmair, on April
17.
The packaging sector together at ‘ASD Packaging Congress’
The 'ASD Packaging Congress 2023 – 2nd International
Packaging Industry Congress' (Dec 07-08 2023) was organized by WPO member, ASD
(Packaging Manufacturers Association -www.ambalaj.org.tr),
under the theme of 'Sustainability Roadmap of the Packaging Industry'. The
event joined 48 speakers and almost 1,000 participants, from 13 countries, that
attended 14 sessions. WPO President, Luciana Pellegrino, was also there.
In one of the Congress sessions, ASD President, Zeki
Sarıbekir, concluded: "Future in the changing world order requires
transformation. As the packaging sector, we target environmental, social, and
cultural transformation. We must establish our production processes, as a
sector, on circular economy, which is a sustainable production model that keeps
resource productivity at the highest level. The incoming customer demands are
differentiating. Not just our machinery, but the business manner is also
digitalizing. Our sector needs to keep pace with all this.”
Another important moment at the Congress was the
participation of the Senior Policy Officer at Ellen MacArtur Foundation, Bahar
Koyuncu, that explained: "As a Foundation, we made a call for 'Period of
Reuse'. The most recent findings in our 'Five Years of Global Commitment'
report demonstrate that without a substantial transition towards reuse, use of
unprocessed plastics in packaging is unlikely to fall below the current levels
before 2050. Adopting reuse gives us the opportunity to fight against plastics
contamination, mitigate the pressure on our natural resources, and take steps
towards net zero. Definitely no organization can realize the required change by
itself. Businesses, policy makers, and finance institutions must make a joint
effort to that aim."
According to ASD President, the Turkish packaging industry reaches
180 countries, directly and indirectly. In 2023, the sector targeted to
increase the market share from US$ 28 billion to US$ 30 billion, and the exports
to reach US$ 10 billion.
AIP educates close to 500 people at ProPak Philippines
Members of WPO member, the AIP (Australian Institute of
Packaging – www.aipack.com.au) Education Team headed to
ProPak Philippines (Feb 12-14) to run a Packaging Forum in partnership with
Informa Markets. There were 20 expert speakers, from 7 countries, participating
in two mini training courses on Sustainable Packaging Design Guidelines and
Save Food Packaging that gathered almost 500 people.
Other highlights of AIP participation, that also included
WPO, were:
Moderating the Women in Packaging panel discussion with the
participation of WPO Global Ambassador, Tuti Buntaran, from Indonesia.
Presenting on the WPO innovation stage about ‘The Global
Packaging Design for Recycling Guide’ and the waste stream mapping tools.
Meeting WPO members and friends as the APF (Asian Packaging
Federation).
Obligations of packaging materials producers according to
Greek legislation
On December 2023, WPO member in Greece, AGMPM (Association
of Greek Manufacturers of Packaging and Materials - www.pac.gr), in collaboration with EOAN (Hellenic Recycling
Agency), held a training seminar on the obligations of producers and importers
of packaging materials, according to the Greek legislation regarding single-use
plastics, packaging, and packaging waste.
In the first part of the event, the managing director of
EOAN, A. S. Toya quoted the organization's policy in anticipation of the new
regulation on packaging and packaging waste, as well as the new initiatives to
link GEMI with EMBA. In the second part of the event, F. Kotzia analyzed the
obligations of the packaging materials producers according to the current Greek
legislation, quoting examples for a wide range of packaging materials and their
intended uses.
More than 100 executives from the Greek industry
participated. The material (presentation and video recording) is available to
AGMPM members and partners under request by e-mail [email protected].
IOM3 launches the Sustainable Future Awards 2024
WPO member in UK, IOM3 (www.iom3.org), just
launched the Sustainable Future Awards 2024 open to individuals, teams, and
organisations globally operating within the materials cycle. These awards aim
to provide a platform for knowledge exchange, promoting a sustainable future
and showcasing on-the-ground developments in practice.
The awards will focus on four crucial categories: Circular
Economy; Sustainable Materials Innovation for Net-zero; Inclusive Practices
& Social Responsibility; and Sustainable Natural Resource Management.
Entries are free and ends on 1 May 2024. The shortlisted
finalists will be announced on 16 September 2024 and the Awards ceremony will
be held in November.
AIP and Empauer partner to deliver LCA decision package for
SMEs
WPO member, The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP – www.aipack.com.au) is pleased to announce that it has joined
forces with leading sustainability software company Empauer, to offer a
comprehensive and cost effective LCA Decision Package for Small to Medium
Enterprises (SME’s) across Australia, New Zealand and Asia. The MOU aims to
ensure that SMEs are making informed and science-based decisions when selecting
packaging materials.
The driving force behind this collaboration is recognition
of the challenges faced by SMEs. The AIP, through its SME training programs,
identified a pressing need for affordable and customised LCA solutions that
simplify the often-complex process of undertaking sustainability assessments
for packaging design.
The innovative LCA Decision Package will enable businesses
to make informed and sustainable decisions when it comes to the packaging
design they utilise. It will provide AIP Members and the wider industry, with
access to the latest tools and expertise, enabling them to reduce their
environmental footprint and make responsible choices in line with global
sustainability goals.
WPO President, Luciana Pellegrino,
announced on February, the names of the Vice Presidents that will take part of
WPO’s new Executive Team and lead WPO’s Portfolios during her term of office
that goes from 2024 to 2026, working closely with her, WPO Members, partner
organizations and the market.
Luciana explains: “Counting with Soha
Atallah as Vice President for Marketing, an expert in this area, we expect to
expand WPO’s participation at shows and conferences globally and, at the same
time, to explore packaging as a marketing tool, fostering innovation and
sharing packaging trends via webinars and forums.
As Vice President of Sustainability & Save Food, Nerida Kelton, also an
expert that has been doing an outstanding work in this portfolio by building
references as the Design for Recycling Guide and Waste Stream map, and now
renewing the opportunities to go beyond, building more references and sharing
knowledge through international conferences.
Coming to the Education portfolio, I am
thrilled to announce Kofi Essuman as the new Vice President, a packaging expert
at packaging companies and brands, and also a professor. Kofi will lead our
education program and trainings in support to WPO’s 63 members’ countries
represented by the national packaging bodies, and having the challenge to go
beyond, expanding courses and training activities.
Last but now least, for my presidency I
transformed the 4th portfolio, Conferences, into a new one, that must be part
of WPO’s pillar: Governance. Magnus Sidling is the Vice President for
Governance, also an expert in the packaging field, and will support us on
stablishing best practices, governance and also building a transparent
communication with members and the market, building solid basis for WPO’s
growth and the expansion of partnerships.”
Luciana´s management goal as President is
also to invite new member countries and at the same time to drive WPO closer to
strategic market matters and packaging and consumer goods companies. “This
connection with the industry will allow harmonizing a global vision for the
sector, the challenges, opportunities and the vision of future for packaging
and its markets.
Luciana Pellegrino will also count with the
support of the General Secretary and Secretariat, respectively, Johannes
Bergmair and Nathália Antoniazzi, and Press & Communication Liaison
Officer, Liliam Benzi.
And WPO Global Ambassadors are…
On March, WPO President, Luciana
Pellegrino, announced the Global Ambassadors during her term of office that
goes from 2024 to 2026. They are vocal representatives of WPO, spreading WPO’s
voice, reach and positive impact, building new connections to generate
opportunities for the Organisation, to engage new Corporate Partners, to
support the promotion of the WorldStar Awards, among others.
“Ambassadors are bold and strategic
packaging leaders in different regions and appointed as key WPO representatives
spreading our message and supporting us on strategic connections and
opportunities to raise the voice for packaging on a global level.”, states
Luciana Pellegrino, WPO President.
The new WPO Global Ambassadors for
2024-2026 are:
Ahmed Alex Omah (Nigeria) - Advanced Institute
of Packaging Professionals of Nigeria and African Packaging Organisation (APO).
Chakravarthi AVPS (India) - Pharma
entrepreneur and part of the Indian Institute of Packaging.
Iva Werbynská (Czech Republic) -
Czech-Slovak Packaging Institute (SYBA).
Silvio Colombo (Argentina) – Argentinean
Packaging Institute (IAE).
Tuti Buntaran (Indonesia) – First Packaging
Asia.
WPO launched the Japanese version of the
Global Packaging Design for Recycling Guide
From left to right: WPO VP Sustainability
& Save Food, Nerida Kelton, the representative of JPI, Hiroko Akieda, WPO
former President, Pierre Pienaar, and WPO President, Luciana Pellegrino.
The ‘Packaging Design for Recycling Guide’,
a WPO product, was translated into Japanese, in 2023, and is now available to
free download at WPO website (www.worldpackaging.org).
The formal launch of the Japanese version was undertaken during WPO Board
Meeting, in Cape Town (SA), in November 2023.
This is the 11th translation besides the
versions in English, German, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, Thai, Latvian, Czech,
Hungarian and Georgian. Developed by WPO, Circular Analytics, FH Campus
University of Applied Sciences and ECR Community, the Guide is a starting point
to understand best practice examples, using state-of-the-art technology that
can be applied and tailored to suit the recovery and recyclability capabilities
and infrastructure on a regional and local level.
In its first oficial participation at Anuga
FoodTec (March 19-22 – Cologne – Germany), WPO was represented by President,
Luciana Pellegrino; Vice President Sustainability & Save Food, Nerida
Kelton; General Secretary, Johannes Bergmair; and Secretariat, Nathália
Antoniazzi.
The agenda was full and besides meeting
members and partners at the booth, WPO team welcomed Gunther Berger, from UNIDO;
Matthias Schlüter and Claire Steinbrück, from Kölnmesse; Thomas Dhose, from
Messe Düsseldorf; Jorge Izquierdo, from PMMI; the winners of FAO competition in
Egypt; and representatives of WPO members CPF (China) and NVC (the Netherlands).
Among the activities during Anuga FoodTec, Luciana
spoke at the Female Leadership event and Nerida Kelton presented at ‘Pro vs.
Contra - The Eco-friendly Food Packaging’ and ‘Science slam - Sustainable
packaging’.
On April 17, WPO member in UK, IOM3 (www.iom3.org),
will organize the course ‘Packaging design for a circular economy’ that involves
presentations, small group exercises and case studies, and is designed to help
educate and navigate you through this complex arena. Delivered by Emagine
Packaging Ltd. (EPL) and Pack IDS, the course will provide knowledge together
with expert packaging and sustainability insights from practitioners engaged
with Circular Economy challenges facing industry today.
The course is targeted at packaging professionals in a wide
range of roles and businesses, from marketing to technical, operational and
procurement from manufacturing, supply, design and services.
Another opportunity to learn about packaging is the ‘PIABC
Level 3 Certificate in Packaging Technology’, scheduled to 16-20 September
2024. The PIABC is recognised as giving an excellent foundation in and
introduction to the packaging industry.
The new course, based on the revised specification
released in 2022, will provide a level of insight and understanding of the
packaging industry that adds real and measurable value to careers and
businesses.
Successful packaging education programs in South Africa
The Institute of Packaging South Africa (IPSA – www.ipsa.org.za) continues to enjoy growing success in its
education offerings to the packaging industry in South Africa and in Southern
Africa.
The One Year Diploma course, for example, is structured to
provide packaging professionals with insight and understanding of the
multi-faceted discipline of packaging technology. The course, recognised as an
essential qualification for any packaging professional, also equips anyone in
packaging-related fields with useful and practical skills and knowledge. The
'class of 2023' yielded 134 graduates. Of these graduates, 28 students passed
Cum Laude and a further 20 passed with Distinction.
The Advanced Packaging Diploma course is offered for those
preparing themselves for management level positions in the packaging industry.
The 'class of 2023' had 32 graduates, of which 13 students passed Cum Laude and
a further 03 students passed with Distinction.
The Institute also offers a short Overview of Packaging
Technology course, which is intended for those new to the packaging field and who
have little or no previous knowledge or experience of packaging. Three classes
are held during the year, in February, June and September. In 2023, there were
12 Graduates of which 08 achieved distinctions.
The International Certified Packaging Professional (CPP)
designation is also offered thorough IPSA. The program is administered by the
Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP – www.iopp.org), from
USA, also a WPO member, under the direction and endorsement of the WPO. Two
South African candidates – Linka Geustyn and Anuka Brown - successfully earned
the CPP qualification in 2023, bringing the total number of formally CPP in
South Africa to 05. A further six candidates are currently enrolled in the
programme.
The Institute has over 180 students enrolled in its various
education offerings for 2024. Students are enrolled predominantly from South
Africa, but also from other African countries including Botswana, Kenya,
Namibia, Nigeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe, as well as a few international students
from Dubai, Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. These courses are all conducted online
and students are further supported through networking events and master classes
in each of the major regions of South Africa.
For more information, send an e-mail to Vanessa von Holdt [email protected].
Packaging Education Masterclass in Indonesia
Packaging education Masterclass Training Batch I 2024 took
place in February 2024 and was organized by WPO member, IPF (Indonesian
Packaging Federation – www.packindo.org). It
gathered brand owners and packaging converters, and two participants from
Tomypack Flexible Packaging, in Malaysia.
In parallel there were Masterclass A - The Future of
Packaging Technology and Sustainability and Masterclass B - Packaging
Technology for Food and Pharma. Masterclass A is designed to provide a basic
understanding of packaging types, manufacturing processes and sustainability in
practice. Around 52% of Masterclass A participants have less than 10 years of
experience, and 41% of participants have less than 02 years of experience; the
remaining 7% have more than 10 years of experience in the packaging field.
Masterclass B is an advanced program that focuses on food
and pharmaceutical packaging. Among the participants, 50% of them has more than
10 years of experience in the packaging industry, while participants in mid and
early-stage careers accounted for 22% and 28%, respectively.
The Masterclass Training Batch I 2024 combines seminar,
plant tour and case study. Most of participants, especially from Masterclass A,
wanted to learn about flexible packaging, multilayer packaging, and paper and
corrugated packaging produced from renewable material. The satisfaction level
of the related classes were superior to 80%.
For Masterclass B, participants were most interested on the seminar
about Aseptic Packaging System that gain 83% satisfaction score. These participants
prefer topics related to high quality packaging rather than cost saving
packaging, which get only 55% of satisfaction level. In general, participants
feel like topics regarding materials regulation and safety are really
insightful for them.
WPO Member in Focus
What is happening in Latvia?
The Packaging Association of Latvia booth at the international exhibition Riga Food.
The last months of 2023 were full of
activities for the packaging industry of Latvia. Autumn is the harvest time -
also for packers – and marked the participation of the Packaging Association of
Latvia, a WPO member, in the international exhibition Riga Food (Sept 7-9). The
show, that is the largest food and packaging exhibition in the Baltics, attracted
420 companies, from 30 countries. Among the participants was the Packaging
Association of Latvia that exhibited some works submitted to the national
competition Latvia Star.
The Riga Food also confirmed the close
cooperation between the Packaging Association of Latvia and Club Packagers of
Ukraine, another WPO member. At the opening ceremony of the exhibition, the President
of the Club Packagers, Veronika Khalaydzhi, awarded winners of the competitions
Ukrainian Packing Star and Ukrainian Label from Latvia.
The Chairperson of the Board of the Packaging Association
of Latvia, Iveta Krauja, together with Veronika Khalaydzhi, participated in the
opening of the Ukrainian national booth where Club Packagers organized a small
exhibition visited by the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs.
The President of the Club Packagers, Veronika Khalaydzhi, welcomes the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs.
Another innovation in the annual Riga Food in the
2023 edition was the seminar Food & Packaging – Challenges in Preventing Food
Loss and Optimizing Packaging held in anticipation to September 29th, the International
Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste.
About Latvia Star
Latvia Star announces the winners of 2023 competition.
The national packaging stars winners were announced
on November 22, 2023, at the Smart Technologies Department of the University of
Life Sciences and Technologies (Jelgava city), by the Packaging Association of
Latvian. Winners are eligible to WorldStar Awards, the global packaging
competition organized by WPO.
The annual competition, organized by the
Packaging Association of Latvia since 1996, recognizes the best packaging is a
multi-level criteria. Some works are evaluated by consumers, in person, at the Riga
Food exhibition, and remotely, through the webpage www.packaging.lv.
A jury of 10 experts also evaluates each work
according to 11 criteria from a scale of 1 to 10. After the competition,
participants receive written comments and suggestions from the expert jury for
further improvements.
In the 2023 edition, 31 works, from 17 participants,
took part in the national packaging competition. It also included four works
from Polish and Ukrainian, two per country.
For more information, contact Iveta Krauja,
Chairperson of the Board of the Packaging Association of Latvia by e-mail [email protected].
On January 09, WPO announced the 214 winners
of the WorldStar 2024, the global packaging competition. This edition attracted
435 entries from 41 countries. The Top Five winners, by country, are Japan
(28), Germany (21), Australia and New Zealand (16), USA (12), and Brazil and
Austria (11 each).
“It is always with pride and excitement
that WPO announces the best of the best packaging innovation around the globe.
The WorldStar Awards showcases how dynamic and technological the packaging is
on a global level”, celebrates Luciana Pellegrino, WPO President. She
adds: “The increasing number of entries every year and the global reach of
WorldStar prove that our industry keeps investing in efficiency and new
solutions to better serve the society. This global award raises the voice for
packaging and brings light to innovation, aligned to the main supply and
consumption chains trends and modern life needs and challenges: save food,
sustainability, branding and UX (user experience), food safety, smart
packaging, among other aspects.”
According to Luciana, “The WorldStar brings
with it the effort of WPO´s members in 63 different countries on promoting
local and regional awards to foster innovation on a local level and to
recognize professionals, packaging converters and brands that make it happen.”
“WorldStar echoes the importance of packaging
innovation on a global level, fostering science, technology and innovation,
recognizing and encouraging packaging professionals to go beyond”, completes Soha
Atallah, WPO Vice President Events and WorldStar Coordinator.
The complete list of winners is available
both in WorldStar or WPO webpages – www.worldstar.org or www.worldpackaging.org. The award ceremony will take place in
Thailand, on June 15, during ProPak Asia. At the same occasion, WPO will
announce the winners for the special categories - President’s Award,
Sustainability Award, Marketing Award and Packaging that Saves Food Award.
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. “As
always, 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, food waste and extending shelf life of
food and agricultural products. 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 scale”, explains Soha Atallah.
For general enquiries on WorldStar or the
Award Ceremony contact Soha Atallah by e-mail [email protected] or
visit www.worldstar.org.
Worldstar Student
Winners are announced!
WPO WorldStar Student Award announced the
results on 24 January 2024. 253 entries were received from 25 countries across
the globe. Out of these entries, 137 projects were awarded as finalists in the
competition. The top five countries enjoying the most finalist wins were South
Africa (30), China (20), Hungary (17), United Kingdom (15) and Turkey (10). The
entries were judged online in a multi-stage process, driven and managed by Bill
Marshall; the panel included 40 packaging experts from 33 different countries.
The overall top scoring and winning Gold
Medal project was entered by a team from Ghana: Akyaa Edna Amo-Duah,
Barthelomew Nyarko and Naa Adoley Maxine Allotey-Quist - from Kwame Nkrumah
University of Science & Technology in Ghana and entered through Institute
of Packaging Ghana.
Their eco-friendly and sustainable pack,
made from water hyacinth fibreboard, is a robust solution for the handling,
storage, and transportation of smoked fish throughout its supply chain. Its
design includes many functional features including breathability, ease of
opening and closing, ease of handling, easily identifiable and resistant to
moisture and puncture – all contributing to extending the shelf life of the
smoked fish and reducing food waste.
The teamwork in this entry demonstrates the
benefits of collaboration between students from different fields (BSc Packaging
Technology & BA Communication design) to create a solution that meets all the
functions of packaging.
Over and above winning the first prize Gold
Medal Overall, this entry also won a Gold Medal in the Food Category, a Silver
Medal for Sustainability, and a Bronze Medal for Saves Food. A representative
from the team has been invited to attend the WorldStar Ceremony, to take place
during Propak Asia, on June 15, in Bangkok (Thailand).
The second-place winner overall (Silver
Medal) was Jeremy Marchant from the University of New South Wales, Australia
for ‘Sushi Takeaway Pack’, entered through the IPSA (Australian Institute of
Packaging). The Sushi Takeaway packaging was designed with renewable materials
that are certified compostable to Australian standards. The pack is stackable,
has a lockable lid and storage for chopsticks, and eliminates single use
plastics to meet the 2025 Australian targets. This entry also achieved a Gold
Medal for Sustainability, and a Silver Medal in the Food Category; total of 03
medals.
The third place winner overall (Bronze
Medal) went to Joel Flores, Eva Lee, Katie Cannon, Coby Chuang and Emma Wanon, from
California Polytechnic State University, for their Sun Ease project. This entry
came through the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP). Sun Ease
reimagines sunscreen packaging with an innovative carton-in-carton technology
that eliminates hard-to-recycle plastic packaging while engaging kids through
educational experiences. This entry also achieved a Gold Medal in the Health
& Personal Care Category, and a Bronze Medal for Marketing Appeal; total of
03 medals.
Further to the top three Gold, Silver and
Bronze Medal wins, 24 category medals were awarded to the top scoring finalist
projects across various market categories – Food, Beverage, Health &
Personal Care, Household and Other – as well as medals awarded in the special
awards categories – Marketing Appeal, Sustainability and Saves Food.
The top five countries enjoying the most
medal wins were: Ghana (4), Australia (4), United Kingdom (4), China (3) and
United States (3).
The winners represented 59 different
tertiary education institutions across the globe. The courses being studied
include: Industrial Design, Packaging Design, Packaging Technology,
Communication design, Food process engineering, Food and Nutrition Science,
Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering,
Industrial Art, Graphic Design, Agroindustrial engineering, Energy and
Environmental Engineering, Visual communication, Integrated Design.
Follow WorldStar Student in the social
media or webpage – www.worldstarstudent.org - for more information about the winning projects and about the 2024 edition,
which will open for entries on 1st May 2025. Or contact Vanessa von Holdt by
e-mail [email protected].
Sustainability & Recycling
EEG’s journey of success: 27 years of circularising
packaging
The Can Collection Campaign was the 1st
community-oriented recycling campaign dedicated to educating the masses.
Emirates Environmental Group (EEG – www.eeg-uae.org), a WPO member, is an environmental NGO
established in the United Arab Emirates that embarked on the sustainability
path in 1991. Under its slogan “Together for a Better Environment”, EEG has
always strived to bring together all sectors of society in the country to be
part of this important journey. While education and awareness projects have
always been part of EEG since inception, the 1st true national mobilising
campaign was launched by EEG in 1997.
The Can Collection Campaign was the 1st
community-oriented recycling campaign dedicated to educating the masses on the
importance of recycling packaging material in the country; and till date it is
strongly maintained and growing. The objective of this campaign is to diminish
production of Greenhouse Gas (GHG), reduce landfill build-up, save energy and
reduce the resultant pollution that affects the environment and the biosphere.
What started as a small campaign in Dubai has over the years grown to attract hundreds
of entities all over the country and from all the seven emirates.
In the early 1990s the society in the UAE
as in many parts of the world were hardly aware of any concept of preserving
the environment or the importance of recycling to conserve resources and the
impact of anthropogenic waste on land and other eco-systems. It was not a
primary concern for most.
At the same time Aluminium Industry was
growing in the country, which provided the perfect opportunity to roll out an
action programme to educate all sectors of the society about the importance of
recycling as an industry and its critical role in the conservation of
resources. It was the right time to teach them hands-on the value of recycling
aluminium Cans and the importance of waste segregation at source. This was
beneficial for the environment, the economy as well as empowering the society.
Today, the Can Collection Campaign, while
ongoing throughout the year, undertakes 2 major annual action programmes under
its umbrella. The ‘Can Collection Day’ in February and ‘Can Collection Drive’
in November. These 2 country-wide campaigns witness the opening of sites across
the emirates; participation of hundreds of entities from private, public,
academic, hospitality and family sectors; gathering of volunteers; and support
from key government organisations and companies. This campaign shines as a
leading example of the realisation of EEG’s slogan of togetherness,
collaboration and cooperation.
The latest Can Collection Day was conducted
on 24.2.24 and the collective efforts of all brought in 7,002 kg of Aluminium
Cans for recycling. Since the inception of this campaign, a total of 415,028 kg
of Cans have been collected and recycled. Recycling all these Cans has provided
multiple benefits for the environment.
The reduction of 6,230 MT of CO2e from
being released into the atmosphere
Saving 94,454 million British Thermal Units
of energy from being used
Saving 10,075 Cubic Meters of Landfill from
being filled.
Other special projects that also bring in
Aluminium Cans for recycling include the ‘Neighbourhood Recycling Project’
(NRP) & ‘One Root One Communi-tree’ (OROC) which are connected with EEG’s
urban afforestation programme. Upon reaching a set target of recyclables, the
participants will automatically become eligible to plant saplings of indigenous
trees in the country at a designated public location. This urban afforestation
programme helps improve the soil quality and air quality in the country and act
as a solution to mitigate GHG emissions and replace trees cut down annually for
various reasons, including the production of new packaging materials.
An annual target is set for the collection
of Aluminium Cans for recycling and once met a 10% increase is set for the
following year. With the successful conclusion of 2023 in exceeding the set
target, EEG has set the target for the year 2024 to 31,800 kg. With collective
action and concerted efforts of all sectors, EEG is confident that it will be
able to accomplish this goal this year as well.
For more information, contact Rose Ann
Quiambao, Secretary EEG, by e-mail [email protected].
Special Article
Understanding ‘Recycle Mate’, a platform that
helps to recycle packaging in Australia
By Nerida Kelton*
According to the latest ARL Consumer
Insights Report, 65% of Australian consumers want more information about how to
recycle and 74% want to see the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) on all
packaging.
A new collaborative educational approach between
the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) program and a dynamic platform called
Recycle Mate will provide the community with the information to be able to
dispose used packaging and other materials appropriately and correctly all over
the country.
The 1st piece: ARL program
One piece of the recycling information
puzzle is the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) program. The ARL is an on-pack
labelling scheme that helps the community to recycle packaging correctly, and
supports brands and packaging manufacturers to design packaging for
recyclability.
The ARL logos are provided as intuitive visual
aids and instructions about how to correctly dispose of all components of a
product’s packaging. The ARL system is evidence-based and used by packaging manufacturers
to verify product recyclability claims. Used by over 900 companies, across more
than 300,000 SKU’s, the ARL program provides a consistent labelling approach
for Australia and New Zealand.
The 2nd piece: Recycle Mate
The second piece to this puzzle is the
development of Australia’s first community driven recycling platform. Recycle
Mate is a dynamic recycling education platform that combines artificial
intelligence technology with Australia’s most comprehensive recycling directory
to reduce contamination in recycling streams, improve resource recovery and
support a circular economy for packaging.
During the development of the platform, the
team at Recycle Mate identified 90 different bin systems, based on the bin lid
colour options and different waste stream separations, across the country. For
the platform to be able to offer users the correct information, it needs to reflect
every recycling bin, no matter where it is located in the country.
Recycle Mate is helping to navigate the
transition to a more harmonised standard for kerbside collection, relaying the
local kerbside recycling rules and providing geolocated directions to ‘away-from-home’
recovery options. Recycle Mate was designed to provide the community the answers
from question to destination as easily as possible.
It also provides additional information to
help guide households on difficult to recycle materials and packs, and how to
locate ‘away-from-home’ destinations such as container deposit schemes, FOGO
programs, product stewardship programs such as for aseptic cartons, blister packs,
cosmetics and e-waste in the local communities.
There are still too many people that don’t
realise that the availability of ‘away-from-home’ collection programs for items
that traditionally are not accepted into a kerbside bin. The ‘away-from-home’
space is evolving at a rapid rate in Australia and needs to be reflected on the
Recycle Mate platform. Currently 9 out of 10 ‘away-from-home’ locations are not
Council facilities. ‘Away-from-home’ programs are all of the product stewardship
schemes such as Close the Loop, Simply Cups, Mobile Muster, Lids4Kids,
Nespresso, Containers for Changes, Pharmacycle. There are now over 30,000
‘away-from-home’ options geolocated on the APP.
Soft plastics disposal
With the Return to Store soft plastics
program currently being re-designed in Australia, many households are confused
as to where they dispose of their soft plastics and flexible packaging. Consumers
are now seeing a mix of logos on packs for these materials, which adds to the
confusion. Three products in one category can have a Return to Store logo, a general
waste logo and the new Check Locally logo. This adds to consumer frustration
and mistrust of recycling symbols.
In addition, some Councils have stepped up
to collect soft plastics through kerbside pilot programs or providing collection/drop
off points for the residents. Other Councils do not accept the material at all
and advice their constituents to throw the packs in the general waste bin.
This lack of harmonisation across the country
means that it can be very challenging for consumers to dispose of these
materials correctly. In most instances, the packs will simply be disposed of in
the wrong bin.
‘Check Locally’ logo
A new Check Locally logo has been designed
to ensure that there is a more accurate logo that reflects the current state of
play for soft plastics and flexibles in Australia. The logo is available for brands
to use on their packaging to guide consumers as to how they can dispose of soft
plastics in the geographical location they are in. Brands are in the process of
removing their Return to Store logos and updating their artwork to include the
Check Locally logo. The logo includes a link to www.arl.org.au which
is connected to Recycle Mate so that all of the disposal information is current
and accurate.
The updated Check Locally logo is designed
to reduce consumer confusion and to ensure that brands are not greenwashing
with misleading ARL logos on packs. The Check Locally logo is available for all
soft plastics and flexibles that meet the thresholds and is also designed for
other packaging that is ‘less widely accepted’ across Councils. The definition
of ‘less widely accepted’ is between 60% and 80% of the kerbside population
that has access to a Council service that collects the materials.
‘Recycle Mate’ steps in when you need to ‘Check
Locally’
The challenge is that when you tell someone
to ‘check locally’, the person does not understand what that means, nor where
to go for additional information. Some people will visit their Council website,
others will ask their friends and family and many run searches on google. This
is where Recycle Mate steps in and does all the heavy lifting for the community.
Recycle Mate can make the Check Locally action simple.
Recycle Mate not only takes into
consideration all bin systems across the country, but also what you can and
cannot put in each bin and provides additional information on ‘away-from-home’
collection options.
The platform can also direct the community
to safely dispose items like combustibles, batteries and e-waste. The first thing
a user will see, if he is asking about the more dangerous items like batteries,
is that there is no kerbside disposal. Recycle Mate are also working to ensure
that there are always available ‘away-from-home’ disposal options listed. The platform
geolocates the user, hones in on where they are and ensures that the
information is accurate according to their location.
The platform has built-in AI, which enables
users to take a photo of the product to identify the recycling attributes of
the pack and any components. The AI will automatically start with kerbside disposal
instructions - which is how the majority of people in the country dispose of packaging.
If there is a more positive ‘away-from-home’ option suitable for the pack then
the platform will advise the user of this information. The user will also receive
geolocated directions and opening times for that location.
The extensive ‘word search’ includes 7000
items so far in the taxonomy and this is growing daily as more consumers use
the platform. The APP is dynamic and updated weekly to add new collection
points and locations for new product stewardship programs.
Recycle Mate has been developed as a
national collaboration that is community driven. Users can choose how they
access the platform, such as to download an APP on to their Apple phones https://apps.apple.com/au/app/recycle-mate/id1470350559 .
*Nerida Kelton is Executive Director of WPO
member AIP (Australian Institute of Packaging – www.aipack.com.au) and WPO Vice President Sustainability &
Save Food [email protected].
Packaging Design
From theory to practice in Greece
In collaboration with the Department of Product and Systems
Design Engineering (TPMS) of the University of Western Macedonia, WPO member in
Greece, AGMPM (Association of Greek Manufacturers of Packaging and Materials - www.pac.gr) organized,
on February, an educational seminar on ‘Packaging design: from theory to
practice’.
As part of the program, P. Kyratsis briefly presented the
curriculum of the Department and the new technological tools that are being used
to deepen the packaging design methodologies in the last five years. The road
map, from the conception of the idea to the production of the prototypes,
includes many intermediate stages and techniques such as mindmap, moodboard,
digital sketching, storyboard, product canvas, empathy maps, CAD etc.
During the event, the final year students presented original
packaging proposals, focused on the needs of the industries in Greece. The
proposed packages are:
Metal bottle for champagne
Paper box for cookie (Violanda)
Glass packaging for perfume
Glass bottle for soysauce (Kikkom Corporation)
Innovation
The relationship between artificial intelligence
and packaging: fostering innovation and creativity
The significance of Artificial Intelligence
(AI) in the realm of packaging and labeling is increasingly apparent, playing a
pivotal role in enhancing operations and product development. AI is not just an
advanced technology; it's a strategic partner capable of bolstering innovation
and creativity in the packaging industry.
The importance of AI in packaging:
Enhancing Productivity and Efficiency: AI
can optimize packaging processes by improving scheduling, planning, and overall
production operations.
Improving Product Quality: Through machine
learning and data analysis, AI can enhance product quality and ensure the
delivery of precise and standardized products.
Customization and Product Design: AI aids
in understanding market demands and customizing product designs accordingly,
fostering consumer engagement and enhancing user experience.
Tools leveraging AI in packaging:
Machine Learning and Artificial Neural
Networks: These technologies enable the analysis of vast datasets related to
packaging operations, offering accurate predictions and insights.
Robotics and Automation: Robotics and
automation technologies contribute to increased productivity and reduced errors
in packaging and labeling processes.
Data Tracking and Analysis Technologies:
Data analytics tools help in understanding consumer behavior and guiding
packaging operations more effectively.
Innovation and creativity through AI:
Technological advancements such as
Artificial Intelligence serve as powerful catalysts for innovation and
creativity in the packaging industry. By effectively utilizing data and
analyzing trends, companies can innovate and develop new products while
continuously improving their operations.
By harnessing the power of AI, companies
can customize products and design innovative packaging solutions that better
cater to consumer needs, providing a unique and engaging experience.
In conclusion, Artificial Intelligence
emerges as a key driver of transformation and advancement in the packaging and
labeling sector, facilitating process optimization and the development of
innovative, environmentally friendly products. With innovative tools at their
disposal, companies can achieve remarkable success and contribute to building a
sustainable and creative future in the world of packaging and labeling.
For more information, contact Sarah Hudaib, Project Manager & Testing Technician at Jordan National
Packaging Center (JOPACK), a WPO member, by e-mail [email protected].
Technical Innovation
More efficiency for french fries processing
TNA Solutions, a WPO Corporate Partner, has revealed its
latest innovation in french fries processing, delivering greater efficiency,
flexibility and consistency. The new tna conti cut® hydro cutting system, with
cutting-edge ‘switcher’ technology, was unveiled at Anuga FoodTec 2024 (19-22
March – Cologne). The new integral ‘switcher’ enables the hydro cutting system
to easily deliver against the industry’s highest output capacity (approx. 30
Mt/hr).
“With the global french fries market set to grow to over
$40bn in terms of value by 2027[1], our customers require solutions that
deliver maximum capacity and the highest levels of efficiency and uptime,” said
Twan van den Berg, Global Sales Manager Processing at TNA solutions.
Switcher technology within the tna conti cut® delivers many
benefits:
Drive efficiency, productivity, reduced waste and uptime
with designated alignment tubes and integrated knife blocks. Both are
exchangeable, depending on the final product to be processed and potato size
used.
Achieve the longest cut size possible when processing
potatoes in high volumes through the alignment tubes.
Add flexibility with an interchangeable knife block,
enabling potatoes to be cut into different shapes and sizes, such as: sticks,
wedges, and slices.
Guarantee a smooth cutting surface with the tna conti-cut®
hydro cutting system, resulting in less oil pick up compared to a mechanically
cut surface, reducing oil usage and fat content.
A blockage is detected by means of a pressure transmitter or
flowmeter installed in the switcher (e.g. broken knives / product stuck in
knife block).
Maintain uptime as the switcher automatically rotates the
revolver to a new alignment tube and knife block, allowing the operator to take
out the clogged knife block and replace the knives.
“Compared with a mechanical cutter, where centrifugal force
is used to drop potatoes randomly onto a high-speed rotating cutting head, the
tna conti cut® hydro cutting system uses the alignment tube within the switcher
to ensure the potato is consistently positioned lengthways to produce a longer
cut,” said van den Berg. “If we take strips as an example, this longer cut is
vital when supplying customers such as quick service restaurants, that require
the longest strips possible. The hydro cutter also creates a smoother
throughput, which reduces oil usage, delivers a lower fat product and at the
same time increases efficiency.”
Working with TNA experts to determine the correct
configuration for a specific french fries processing line is highly
recommended. The process and technical expertise they can provide, along with a
customer’s in-depth knowledge of their operation, will ensure the resulting
solution delivers above and beyond expectations.
“What we demonstrated at Anuga FoodTec, in addition to this
cutting-edge innovation, is our in-depth understanding of the balance required
to satisfy consumers and retailers, while keeping brands profitable,” added van
den Berg. “We use our capabilities, expertise and portfolio to deliver complete
line solutions in partnership with our customers, drawing on our deep process
knowledge to ensure any new technologies can be integrated with minimal
operational disruption and maximum impact.”
For more information about TNA Technologies, send na email
to [email protected].
WPO & Unido
WPO and UNIDO in successful missions in
Cambodia and Mongolia
In Cambodia the focus was to establish a
Packaging Center
From February 17-25, WPO Vice President of
Marketing, Soha Atallah, was in Cambodia as part of the UNIDO (United Nations
Industrial Development Organization - www.unido.org) program
to help establishing a Packaging Center. Her assignment was to validate the
findings from the previous mission of WPO experts, by holding a workshop with
the relevant SMEs as well as on-site assessment of the identified host for the
Packaging Center. She could assess the requirements and capacities in terms of
staff and infrastructure of the host RUA - Royal University of Agriculture
to establish the Packaging Center in Cambodia.
According to Soha, it was also possible to
prepare a roadmap for this Packaging Center, with phase wise action plan,
taking into consideration the existing capacity and the needs. The workshop,
attended by around 50 professionals from the public and private sectors,
SMES, and the academic institutions, validated the findings of the WPO expert.
“WPO is supporting UNIDO in this project, in the packaging aspect, mainly in
output 3*. This is the second WPO mission to Cambodia; the first one was in
September 2023”, reminds Soha.
UNIDO has already an active project in
Cambodia that is co-funded by the European Union. The project “Cambodia CAPFISH
capture: post-harvest fisheries development”, has the following outputs:
Output 1: Enhanced technical
competence and sustainability of the Competent Authority and official control
services supporting the post-harvest fisheries.
Output 2: Enhanced private sector
capacity to comply with international standards and market requirements
relevant to the post-harvest fisheries.
*Output 3: Enhanced business
competitiveness of post-harvest fisheries through innovation and R&D.
Output 4: Project
management, monitoring and evaluation.
In Mongolia the goal was to help the food
sector to achieve international standards
For the second time, WPO, in partnership
with UNIDO, ended another successful project which goal was to help the food
sector in Mongolia to achieve international standards through the development
of practical guidelines, covering the production of safe food.
Although a non-resident agency in the
country, UNIDO carries out its mandate in Mongolia, a member state since 1985,
against the backdrop of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework
(UNSDCF), and in close cooperation with the UN Country Team.
The project was conducted by WPO General
Secretary, Johannes Bergmair, that explains: “There were a few steps in the
project. We started reviewing all the project related documentation and
liaising with national and international experts to have a clear understanding
of the project scope. The result was two guides, one to compliance for the
identified actors and another to best practices for the identified actors along
the value chain.” The guides are based on Codex/CAC/RCP 1-1969 and
international best practices.
Just to remind, in November 2017, WPO and
UNIDO signed a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) for strategic cooperation in
the field of packaging capacity building. The purpose is “to achieve the
mutually declared objectives towards the operationalization of UNIDO’s mandate
for inclusive sustainable industrial development”.
Credits:
Electronic publication from WPO – World Packaging Organisation – www.worldpackaging.org
Coordination: WPO’s President, Luciana Pellegrino / WPO’s General Secretary, Johannes Bergmair
Contribution: WPO Members
Responsible Editor: IPPO Member Liliam Benzi - Journalist Mtb 19.352 – Brazil – [email protected]
Diagramming: Formato Editoração e Design - Saulo Pacheco
WPO – World Packaging Organization
(+ 55 11) 99989-1597 
liliambenzi 
Definitely packaging design was the protagonist during the
Milano Design Week 2024 (April 15-21). One good example was the “PACKAGING:
OPEN ACCESS" exhibition focused on innovation in packaging design. It was proposed
by the Best Packaging 2024 contest which curator is WPO member, Istituto
Italiano Imballaggio (
The overall top scoring and winning Gold
Medal project was entered by a team from Ghana: Akyaa Edna Amo-Duah,
Barthelomew Nyarko and Naa Adoley Maxine Allotey-Quist - from Kwame Nkrumah
University of Science & Technology in Ghana and entered through Institute
of Packaging Ghana. 
The second-place winner overall (Silver
Medal) was Jeremy Marchant from the University of New South Wales, Australia
for ‘Sushi Takeaway Pack’, entered through the IPSA (Australian Institute of
Packaging). The Sushi Takeaway packaging was designed with renewable materials
that are certified compostable to Australian standards. The pack is stackable,
has a lockable lid and storage for chopsticks, and eliminates single use
plastics to meet the 2025 Australian targets. This entry also achieved a Gold
Medal for Sustainability, and a Silver Medal in the Food Category; total of 03
medals.
The third place winner overall (Bronze
Medal) went to Joel Flores, Eva Lee, Katie Cannon, Coby Chuang and Emma Wanon, from
California Polytechnic State University, for their Sun Ease project. This entry
came through the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP). Sun Ease
reimagines sunscreen packaging with an innovative carton-in-carton technology
that eliminates hard-to-recycle plastic packaging while engaging kids through
educational experiences. This entry also achieved a Gold Medal in the Health
& Personal Care Category, and a Bronze Medal for Marketing Appeal; total of
03 medals.
According to the latest ARL Consumer
Insights Report, 65% of Australian consumers want more information about how to
recycle and 74% want to see the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) on all
packaging.
relevant SMEs as well as on-site assessment of the identified host for the
Packaging Center. She could assess the requirements and capacities in terms of
staff and infrastructure of the host RUA - Royal University of Agriculture
to establish the Packaging Center in Cambodia. 