Today’s consumer packaged goods manufacturers are increasingly focused on sustainability for their operations and product packaging. Their enthusiasm for the latest intelligence on recyclable packaging was on display at Packaging Recycling Summit, which debuted in Atlanta on November 6 - 8. Produced by Packaging World, with the support of PMMI, the event brought together CPG professionals, packaging material and equipment suppliers, reprocessors, and professionals from materials recovery facilities (MRFs).
Over 20 sessions explored how suppliers, MRFs, and brand owners can collaborate to reduce their packaging footprint. A Video Library, including all of the session recordings, is now available for review and features keynotes, panel discussions, and Q&A interviews with packaging recycling and sustainability experts.
The three-day program addressed a range of topics such as the business of MRFs; the current regulatory landscape, including evolving extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation, and the gap between consumer perceptions of recycling and what the actual data reveals.
Brand owners also shared their expertise. Procter & Gamble’s keynote, “Designing for Maximum Recyclability,” detailed how P&G teamed up with their MRF, Rumpke Recycling, to create packaging with a higher recycling rate. Other sessions focused on materials, plastics recycling, packaging design strategies, and consumer education. On stage were experts from Coca-Cola, General Mills, Estée Lauder Companies, Kraft Heinz, Unilever, Ulta, and other leading organizations.
The value of supply chain collaboration was highlighted during multiple sessions, including one from the Carton Council of North America, which discussed how members are expanding food and beverage carton recycling and a panel discussion on the MBOLD-led coalition of businesses aiming to increase recycling rates for flexible packaging and films.
Manufacturers will soon have another opportunity to learn more about sustainable operations and product packaging solutions at PMMI’s PACK EXPO East (March 18-20, 2024; Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia). As the most comprehensive packaging and processing show on the East Coast, PACK EXPO East delivers cross-over solutions, many of which are environmentally safe, along with the time to dive into detail with more than 400 key suppliers. Located within a few hours of much of the East Coast, this show is convenient and affordable for entire teams to attend. For more information and to register for PACK EXPO East, visit packexpoeast.com.
Additional post-event coverage of the Packaging Recycling Summit can be found on packworld.com.
For more information on accessing the Video Library, please visit www.packagingrecyclingsummit.com/video-library.
