The Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) Engage event held on December 6th and 7th, 2023, was a whirlwind of insights, discussions, and innovation, converging on the pivotal theme of sustainable packaging in today’s consumer landscape. As an attendee, the event provided an illuminating experience, showcasing the collaborative efforts and impactful strides within the industry.
The event kicked off in an amazing venue with tables set up perfectly for networking and learning. The opening keynote from Paul Nowark got us all pumped up for what was ahead.
One standout session was a lively panel discussion titled “Retailers’ Leadership in Sustainability Trends, Consumer Expectations, Messaging and Goals.” It was eye-opening to see how retailers are really stepping up as the bridge between brands, consumer expectations, and sustainability. They’re making sustainability a top priority, teaming up with brands and suppliers to make a real difference in how products are packaged and delivered to us consumers.
Personally, soon after I got to take part in a panel discussion titled “The Role of Design in Matching Consumers Perceptions, Narrowing the Intention-Action Gap, and Retailers as the Final Consumer Frontier.” We talked about how the way a product looks on the shelf can shape our perception of how sustainable it is. It was fascinating to hear how designers and retailers are teaming up to make packaging that resonates with our desire to be more eco-friendly.
Throughout the event, there were 12 sessions jam-packed with valuable insights. But it wasn’t all serious discussions – we had plenty of time to network and even enjoyed some evening drinks featuring Toast Beer, which is made from bread that would’ve been wasted otherwise. What a brilliant way to tackle food waste!
One of the most exciting parts for me was teaming up with Suzy Shelley from Pearl Fenders to explore the evolving role of design. We took a fresh look at how design can play a crucial role in driving sustainability forward and showcased the example of Don Simon and Elopak.
Other standout presentations were from Paula Chin from WWF and Olga Kachool GreenBlue on Closing the Loop on Compostable packaging which was a fireside chat really outlining the differences and the claims also on compostable packing versus green packaging and of course the PPWR panel which talked about preparing fo the revisions and how CPGs retailer and pacakaingg manufacturer and the supply chain shodul be ready. The panel was a great nix of representatives from Dominic Hogg from Equanimator, Anna Papagrigoraki from CEPI Michelle Carvell from Lorax and Graeme Smith from Mars.
We zoomed very quickly through some excellent sessionand before we knew it it wa 5pm at the evening reception where there was a great array of non alcoholic cocktails and cocktails and some beer called Toast which we were to hear about the next day!
The second day zoomed in on the pressing issue of food waste, highlighting the industry’s commitment to tackling this major challenge.
We started with inspsipring Tristram Stuart an excellent speaker, a multifaceted individual, is recognized as an author, campaigner, entrepreneur, farmer, and inspirational speaker, specializing in the environmental and social consequences of food. Praised for their revelatory insights, his books have made a significant impact, while his TED talk boasts 2 million views. Stuart’s environmental organization, Feedback, initiated a global movement against food waste, and he further contributes to sustainable practices through ventures like Toast Ale, which transforms surplus bread into beer, generating profits for environmental charities. Which we learnt was the beer that was at yesterdays netowrking session.
His talk was really quite eye opening and we learnt some crazy facts where 20-30% of food is thrown away due to not meeting cosmetic standards.
In parts of sub-Saharan Africa, farmers face unfair treatment with orders being cancelled at teh last minute and not being compensated for, and packaging rules, leading to the disposal of 20% of beans, a heartbreaking situation in a region where people are struggling with hunger. It’s just insane!
We also learnt how Tesco is giving away the expired food rather than the woing it away, which was the biggest boost to staff morale possible. There are lots of lessons for retailers here. Truly Tristam has much to tell the world.
Estelle Herszzenhorn from Wrap continued the theme and taught us how influential the best before stickers are with people throwing away perfectly good produce just because the date says its past its best before. Quite shocking really and some great ways for us to improve the situation both at home and on a wider scale.
I’d like to highlight the engaging Refill & Re-use session featuring Chris Baker from Fyllar. It was a fascinating discussion centered around those 2 topics, and I even have an image of the refilling machine to share with you that was there in the exhibition area downstairs where the networking breaks took place.
In a nutshell, the SPC Engage event wasn’t just about talking; it was about action, collaboration, and a shared dedication to making packaging more sustainable. It’s clear that this journey toward sustainable packaging isn’t a one-time thing but an ongoing effort that demands continuous innovation and teamwork across the board.
The event was so well organised with a great ace and lots of interesting content in different formats. I didn’t take part int he tours or pub crawl that was orgnaised but also heard that was great fun and worth the visit!
As I look back on the event, I’m filled with excitement and hope. It’s amazing to see how many passionate people are dedicated to making a difference in the world of packaging. Here’s to more innovation, more collaboration, and a future where sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.
Cheers to a greener tomorrow!