By Ronald Margulis, Managing Director, RAM Communications
With packaging solutions ranging from bio-polymers to low-energy consumption components, small footprint machinery and e-machinery, the full array of sustainability-oriented innovation took center stage at PACK EXPO Las Vegas this week.
As retailers institute environmental scorecards and informed consumers make choices based on social responsibility and corporate ethics, the demand for sustainable packaging solutions has become an important concern for business leaders, marketing managers and professionals across the packaging industry. Manufacturers are assessing the challenges and opportunities involved with meeting this growing demand for sustainable products and applying the principles of sustainability throughout their businesses.
"The simple fact is, sustainable can mean many things to many people depending on the focus a company is taking regarding this trend," noted Charles D. Yuska, president and CEO of PMMI. "PACK EXPO Las Vegas exhibitors are showcasing all of the different solution sets a consumer of industrials goods company may be seeking to address their sustainability initiatives."
In addition to the exhibitors that displayed their sustainability oriented products and services, MeadWestvaco chairman John A. Luke, Jr., shared his company's leadership position on sustainability during the Tuesday, October 16 keynote presentation, entitled: "Brand Sustainability, The New Relationship Between Sustainable Packaging and Winning Brands." MeadWestvaco has a long history of environmental stewardship, including sustainable forest management, active carbon reduction programs, and sustainable packaging design and development.
Several of the presenters at the conference also devoted time to provide input on how sustainability is affecting the development and manufacturing of consumer and industrial goods.
"When discussing sustainability, issues like recycling and recovery come to mind immediately," said Ben Miyares, vice president, Industry Relations for PMMI. "However, gains can be made at all stages of the packaging lifecycle including raw material choice, energy consumption, manufacturing practices, transportation options and waste reduction. The conference will explore opportunities for packaging providers to look beyond the obvious elements of sustainability and consider the possibilities presented at various stages in the packaging lifecycle."
Discussion Questions: What impact is the trend toward sustainable operations having on the retail industry? Is there substantive action taking place across retailing and related businesses or are high profile environmental initiatives still the exception rather than the rule? Where do you see leadership coming in the area of sustainability?
[Author's commentary] PackExpo is a massive conference that fills up most of McCormick Center when it's in Chicago. This show went on and on, and literally hundreds of exhibitors featured their slant on sustainability. If the investment made on the exhibit floor in Las Vegas is any indication, this trend has legs.