Flexible packaging converters recognise sustainability as a key development factor on their agenda. The major players try to reassure stakeholders by measuring and reporting on their efforts to reduce energy consumption, water usage, CO2 emissions and waste to landfill. Future recycling commitments are also prevalent.

Converters are continually increasing the number of converting activities they do themselves inhouse, such as metallisation and barrier coextrusion, which used to be a specialised film manufacturer sub-division. Lots of converters now undertake metallisation and are thus eating into the lunch of film manufacturers. There is a heightened focus on increasing hardware productive time, especially on printing presses. Reducing set up and down times have been facilitated by more user-friendly gravure and flexo presses.

Sustainability is a complex subject. While big converters have the resources to measure key parameters, unified Life Cycle Analysis approaches are still missing. A lot of commitments have been made about recycled content within the next few years, but these goals can only be achieved at an economic cost.

There is too little emphasis on the total supply chain in delivering sustainability messages, e.g where and how are raw materials used, how are they transformed and what is the final route to the customer.

Obtain an unparalleled review of packaging substrates and discover the technical initiatives where sustainability gains can be made in flexible packaging conversion.

Insights now available

The Insight Report - Sustainability in Flexible Packaging live event took place on 15th June 2021
It included a one hour presentation plus Q&A session with industry expert Jonathan Fowle
The presentation and Q&A session are now available on-demand

The report will help you

• Navigate the sustainability context and key drivers for pragmatic business actions
• Review technology and substrate innovations via a credible industry expert lens
• Access technical and market insights through our on-demand presentation, recorded Q&A session plus concise reference report

What’s included in our report?

• On-demand presentation and recorded Q&A session with industry expert Jonathan Fowle
• A focussed and concise PDF report for easy reference
• Price: €1,000

Contact us for more info

About the expert

Jonathan Fowle is a leading expert in the flexible packaging industry, with more than 25 years at senior management level, including Group Innovation Director at Amcor. For the past 17 years, he has worked across the globe with several leading converters on strategic, operational and commercial issues.

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Read the interview with Jonathan about trends in flexible packaging

Report content

• Setting the Scene: Flexible packaging – global market size and growth trends
  Flexibles vs rigids
  War on plastic
  Legislative context
  Recycling status
  
• Value chain activity: Converter developments and case studies
  OEM initiatives
  
• Material developments: Review of materials used in flexible packaging
  The future of mono-material laminates
  Sustainable materials – sourcing, conversion, brand-owner and consumer perspectives, end of life scenarios
  Barrier options and sustainable barrier developments
  Biodegradables/Compostables
  Paper
  Potential sustainable flexible packaging solutions