These are the issues raised by the PACK EXPERTS Committee at the international trade exhibition EMBALLAGE 2014.
Innovation in packaging continues to be dynamic, taking the new business models, regulations, lifestyles and consumer trends into consideration in order to generate value. This was the conclusion drawn by the PACK EXPERTS Committee during its first working session last January, facilitated by Annette FREIDINGER-LEGAY, International Packaging Expert and EMBALLAGE 2014 Consultant.
The discussions of the PACK EXPERTS Committee highlighted the principal avenues of thought explored by companies, of which regulation is still a major concern. Whether inertness of food contact materials (FCM), EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, the next version of the Packaging Directive or the French position on environmental information, developments and uncertainties cause investment decision-making to become increasingly complex.
Choices have to be made: small containers to fight against waste or larger containers to reduce negative environmental impact?
All agree that cost-cutting is now driving innovation. As emphasised by the Committee members, this should not compromise packaging services and design even if the entry ticket to innovation is rising sharply. Some members interpret this model as extolling ultra-simple and useful innovation that focuses on assessment of needs and uses. Others consider that the savings can be produced throughout the supply and logistics chains.
The recyclability of packaging materials and the added value provided by its functions are still core topics for discussion, and many agree that e-commerce and drive-in foster innovation.
Indeed, the specificities of these retail channels and the flow consolidation required to optimise the logistics and automate warehouses encourage the user industries to review the functions, design and size of secondary and tertiary packaging. E-commerce must be able to master the variations in package size cost effectively yet personalise the interior of the container.
In conclusion, EMBALLAGE 2014 PACK EXPERTS Committee examined six key issues in detail:
Incentives and obstacles associated with innovation
How to create added value
Packaging in the circular economy
The packaging of tomorrow
E-commerce and drive-in: repercussions on packaging
Packaging, logistics, intra-logistics and handling
These themes will be explored further in upcoming press releases and at the EMBALLAGE and MANUTENTION conferences to be held in November.
Members of the PACK EXPERTS 2014 Committee:
David OZENNE - CHARAL Director of Innovation
Arnaud ROLLAND - COCA COLA ENTREPRISE Sustainable Development Manager
Vincent FERRY - DANONE RESEARCH Packaging Development Manager
Valérie HERRENSCHMIDT- ECO-EMBALLAGES Materials Unit Manager
Jan LE MOUX - ECO-EMBALLAGES Waste Prevention Manager
Jean-Lou JOUX - FROMAGERIES BEL Product Management Leader Environmental Projects ECR France/Physical Distribution
Bruno GARNIER - Groupe CARREFOUR Packaging and Sustainable Development Expert
Sandrine SOMMER - GUERLAIN Sustainable Development Manager
Philippe BONNINGUE - L'OREAL Global Director of Sustainable Packaging and Development
Jean-Luc POIRIER - MARS PETCARE France European Packaging Innovation Manager
Claudine ROSIERS - NESTLE Corporate Packaging
Jean PINOTEAU - NESTLE Packaging Specialist
Laurence PROUST - PFIZER SANTE FAMILIALE Marketing Manager
Alexandre CHANTRY - VENTE-PRIVEE.COM Project Manager
Jean-Michel GUARNERI - VENTE-PRIVEE.COM European Senior VP Supply Chain
