May 26-In his chairman's review to members and guests of the Packaging and Films Association (Pafa) at the 37th Annual Luncheon, David Beeby said that plastics have the potential to help resolve all of the five big issues facing society poverty, access to safe clean water, affordable food, good health and resource efficiency.
In a speech imploring members to turn away from being defensive about their products, he said that lightweight, low-carbon, strong and recyclable plastic products are capable of bringing fresh water and food, health-giving medicines and drugs and reduced carbon impacts to societies across the globe.
We have got a lot to be proud of, we are an innovator which sets trends, we are growing because of our credentials and because we are a key component of the solution for the future. Yes there are challenges with plastics but we are not the problem we are very much a part of the solution, he told attendees.
Beeby said that in the UK, the flexible and rigid films industry employs more than the pharmaceutical sector and emphasised the huge positives to get across . He added: We all have to help nurture and develop this industry by speaking out on its behalf with pride, determination and without embarrassment.
He also sent a message to the newly-formed government when he pleaded for long-awaited recognition for the part played by plastic packaging in preserving and protecting food from wastage. Food wastage is now high on everyone s agenda and the statistics speak for themselves. We offer the most resource-efficient packaging solutions and we call upon this to be recognised.
As principal guest speaker at the luncheon, Julia Hailes MBE, environmentalist and author of the The New Green Consumer Guide revealed her pragmatic approach to seeking a more sustainable society. In a speech, which was well received by the 200 strong audience of industry leaders, MPs, government experts and retailers, the environmental adviser and consultant said she welcomed the change of government for its promised focus on a low carbon economy.
She also explained to the audience that to achieve this they shouldn't be focusing so much on what something weighs but on the actual carbon impact throughout its life cycle.
Another point she emphasised was the importance of improving access to, and investment in, recycling facilities and better information on the materials which can be recycled as a crucial step towards improving recycling rates.
We need to look at the materials we use in products and we need more products which use recycled material in them, she said, citing her work with Marks & Spencer to increase recycled content in products.
Hailes also tackled the myth and misinformation surrounding the marketing of degradable polymers, I am not a great fan of degradable plastics, which can only add to the burden of CO2 created in landfills. This is not a good thing we have to fight the consumer perception, which is very misguided, that degradable is better and more environmentally friendly.
In a speech imploring members to turn away from being defensive about their products, he said that lightweight, low-carbon, strong and recyclable plastic products are capable of bringing fresh water and food, health-giving medicines and drugs and reduced carbon impacts to societies across the globe.
We have got a lot to be proud of, we are an innovator which sets trends, we are growing because of our credentials and because we are a key component of the solution for the future. Yes there are challenges with plastics but we are not the problem we are very much a part of the solution, he told attendees.
Beeby said that in the UK, the flexible and rigid films industry employs more than the pharmaceutical sector and emphasised the huge positives to get across . He added: We all have to help nurture and develop this industry by speaking out on its behalf with pride, determination and without embarrassment.
He also sent a message to the newly-formed government when he pleaded for long-awaited recognition for the part played by plastic packaging in preserving and protecting food from wastage. Food wastage is now high on everyone s agenda and the statistics speak for themselves. We offer the most resource-efficient packaging solutions and we call upon this to be recognised.
As principal guest speaker at the luncheon, Julia Hailes MBE, environmentalist and author of the The New Green Consumer Guide revealed her pragmatic approach to seeking a more sustainable society. In a speech, which was well received by the 200 strong audience of industry leaders, MPs, government experts and retailers, the environmental adviser and consultant said she welcomed the change of government for its promised focus on a low carbon economy.
She also explained to the audience that to achieve this they shouldn't be focusing so much on what something weighs but on the actual carbon impact throughout its life cycle.
Another point she emphasised was the importance of improving access to, and investment in, recycling facilities and better information on the materials which can be recycled as a crucial step towards improving recycling rates.
We need to look at the materials we use in products and we need more products which use recycled material in them, she said, citing her work with Marks & Spencer to increase recycled content in products.
Hailes also tackled the myth and misinformation surrounding the marketing of degradable polymers, I am not a great fan of degradable plastics, which can only add to the burden of CO2 created in landfills. This is not a good thing we have to fight the consumer perception, which is very misguided, that degradable is better and more environmentally friendly.
