The Big Plastics Debate has become a mainstay of both the Birmingham and London editions of the show in recent years and will once again be a focus at the upcoming event at Olympia, London, over 11-12 September.
The first day of the debate will host speakers including Zero Waste Scotland chief operating officer Jill Farrell to discuss the Scottish deposit return scheme. Foodservice Packaging Association executive director Martin Kersh will chair a panel featuring Carlsberg, Lust Cosmetics and the Green Alliance to discuss plastic alternatives.
On the second day, Labour MP for Ipswich and shadow minister for waste and recycling Sandy Martin will discuss his party’s perspective on the government’s packaging consultation, while panellists will attend from Just Eat, Veolia, the University of Manchester and Food Europe.
Easyfairs packaging portfolio global brand director Paul MacDonald said: “Since the Big Plastics Debate launched at our NEC show in 2018, global brands have flocked to join our discussion on the contentious issue and share their plans to create greener packaging solutions.
“However, the issue still remains high on the industry’s agenda. Consumers are more concerned by the impact of packaging than ever before and regulatory bodies are increasingly demanding more sustainable packaging solutions.
“With a focus on plastic alternatives this year, the debate will take the conversation in a new direction. The focus is no longer whether plastic is simply good or bad, instead it is highlighting that not all sustainable alternatives are equal and to encourage brands to consider this when choosing a green solution.”
New features for 2019 include an Education Hub which will see experts from Print iT, Brief Cases, the BPIF and Women in Print UK encouraging young people to pursue careers in packaging by showcasing the latest innovations from companies such as Foilco, Fedrigoni and Danby Press.
The PackHub Trend Zone will highlight 10 of the most influential trends in today’s packaging market, such as waste reduction and intelligent engagement, while the Accelerator Zone will give space to six specially-selected companies named as ‘ones to watch’ by Easyfairs.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in September, the show will feature a roster of 180 exhibitors including Knoll Prestige Packaging, Cotton Barons, Hunter Luxury and Goodyear Corporation.
