The
UK’s largest annual event for the whole packaging supply chain, which returns
to Birmingham’s NEC on 27 & 28 February 2019, will host an impressive
two-day CPD accredited conference programme across five stages and will also
feature experts from Britvic, L’Occitane and WRAP. Coca-Cola, Marks &
Spencer, Iceland and Innocent Drinks are just some of the major names taking to
the stage as part of Packaging Innovations, Label&Print and Empack 2019’s
exclusive seminar programme.
James
Drake-Brockman, Divisional Director of Easyfairs’ Packaging Portfolio,
comments: “As the UK’s largest packaging show, our educational content is a key
part of our offering. We are thrilled to have so many fantastic speakers on
board, from a broad range of major retailers and smaller brands, through to
independent industry experts, and we still have more to be announced. The
programme promises to offer a unique insight into the latest challenges, trends
and technologies in the packaging industry, which are guaranteed to inspire any
packaging professional in attendance.”
Iceland’s
fight against single-use plastic has been dominating the recent news agenda,
with the company revealing that its successful bottle deposit scheme has led to
311,500 plastic bottles being recycled. With plastic in mind, Iceland’s Own
Label and Packaging Manager, Ian Schofield, will be discussing the company’s
commitment to remove all plastic from its own-label product packaging one-year
on from its initial pledge.
After
becoming the first supermarket chain in the UK to introduce plastic-free zones
to its supermarkets, Daniel Frohwein, Team Leader and Head Coach at Thorntons
Budgens Belsize Park, will be discussing how plastic can be removed from
supermarket shelves. Visitors looking to discover the latest developments in
this area can also visit the Plastic Free Aisle, which will display some of the
very latest and most cutting-edge plastic-free packaging solutions.
Sustainability
will also be in the spotlight on the dedicated Ecopack Stage. From reducing waste
and finding energy efficient solutions, to sourcing more recyclable materials,
the two-day agenda will offer an in-depth insight into packaging’s hottest
topic. Kevin Vyse, Senior Packaging Technologist and Circular Economy Lead at
Marks and Spencer will explore how companies can adapt to a circular economy
mindset and how packaging professionals can make the most of virgin plastics.
Louise Stevens, Head of Circular Economy at Innocent Drinks, will further
discuss the circular economy as she explains Innocent’s unique take on the
subject.
Continuing
the theme will be Justin Kempson, Sales and Innovation Director at Charpak.
During his talk, he will share the learnings the company faced in creating its
innovative recycling solutions, recognising its responsibility to shape
consumer perception, and their progress made towards achieving a truly circular
plastics economy.
Hans
van Bochove, Vice President European Public Affairs at Coca-Cola European
Partners, will also take to the Ecopack stage to tackle single-use plastics as
he discusses Coca-Cola’s perspective on the issue and the company’s plans to
action change.
In
addition to sustainability, speakers will be discussing the latest innovations
in packaging technology. For example, Barbara Galli, Global Marketing and
Communication Lead at Chiquita, will be discussing how the company has
harnessed AR technology to engage consumers in a static category.
Drake-Brockman
concludes: “There is sure to be something for everyone on stage this year. From
the Big Plastics Debate, through to the use of AR technology on packaging
labels, the seminar content will address the biggest issues and developments
from within the industry. I can’t wait to hear what these leading packaging
experts have to say.”
To
discover the full seminar programme, visit www.easyfairs.com/Label&PrintUK
