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Agenda

Global EPR Developments and Packaging Sustainability Reporting Best Practice
Workshop begins
This workshop will take a closer look at the rapidly expanding global packaging extended producer responsibility regulations, trends, and costs to brand owners. It will also cover the broad scope of similarly aligned legislation and trends including post-consumer recycled content requirements, design guidelines, single-use plastic regulations, eco-modulated EPR fees, on-pack labelling, plastic taxes, voluntary reporting and more. 

We will investigate how these themes present themselves on different continents and how companies can ensure they are able to remain compliant as the legislation as scope grows. Attendees will also learn in depth about how EPR fees are structured so their companies can understand the associated costs and processes as well as looking at best practice for reporting and compliance. 

Tickets are just €349 + VAT, and must be purchased in conjunction with a 2-day conference ticket but places are limited so we advise registering as soon as possible to avoid missing out!
Workshop finishes
Join us after the workshop between 18:30 - 20:00 for a pre-conference networking drinks reception.
Clean Enough? - Solving the hidden hygiene challenges of reusable packaging
Workshop begins
Tickets are just €349 + VAT, and must be purchased in conjunction with a 2-day conference ticket but places are limited so we advise registering as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
Opening presentation on current industry challenges deriving from the PPWR for transport packaging
Presentation of real cases
Interactive poll/discussion on participant experiences and expectations
Group work
Participants receive fictional but realistic problem cases (i.e. cross contamination in crate reuse, unvalidated washing process, failed visual checks), and work in small teams to analyse and propose solutions
Roundtable sharing
Each group briefly presents their findings
Q&A and ENFIT wrap-up
Tools available, guideline preview and next steps
End of workshop
Join us after the workshop between 18:30 - 20:00 for a pre-conference networking drinks reception.
Making Sense of Flexible Packaging 2025-2030: Actions to take, EPR, Legislation and more
Workshop starts
With half of all food packaging and a wealth of consumer and household goods using flexible packaging, this essential format has many notable benefits – but also many challenges ahead. Increased recycled content across the board and a format specific recycling rate of 55% by 2035 will require a significant step-change in individual and collective action. 

Let experts from across the value chain guide you through the key issues of a successful flexible packaging portfolio, and prepare your business for the circular economy and PPWR

The workshop will present a mix of data-driven insights, value-chain actions, Member-State requirements and discussion on key topics, including:
  • Sustainable finance, EPR and eco-modulation
  • Achieving recycling rates and recycling at scale
  • Sorting and recycling technologies and infrastructure required to meet the challenge
  • Design fundamentals for a competitive edge
Tickets are just €349 + VAT, and must be purchased in conjunction with a 2-day conference ticket but places are limited so we advise registering as soon as possible to avoid missing out!
Workshop ends
Join us after the workshop between 18:30 - 20:00 for a pre-conference networking drinks reception.
Unwrapping PPWR - Second Edition
Workshop details
Join EUROPEN in Barcelona for the second edition of its Unwrapping PPWR workshop, taking place as part of the pre-conference workshop series ahead of Sustainability in Packaging Europe 2025 on 22-23 October in Barcelona.

Taking place just a couple of months after the PPWR comes into effect, this in-person event will take stock of the Regulation’s implementation and delve into the remaining challenges around packaging waste management. With the New Circular Economy Act on the horizon, the workshop will explore what is left to be done to leverage this initiative and shape the future of packaging circularity.

Stay tuned for agenda updates and speaker announcements — make sure to secure your spot now as limited places are available! Tickets are just €349 + VAT, and must be purchased in conjunction with a 2-day conference ticket.
Workshop finishes
Join us after the workshop between 18:30 - 20:00 for a pre-conference networking drinks reception.
Familia Torres Wine Tasting Tour
Transport leaves the conference hotel
Arrival at Pacs del Penedes, Torres winery
Wine tour starts

Join us on a tour of the Pacs del Penedes, Torres winery. Catalunya’s foremost winemaking family in their 5th generation of wine production, the Torres family is leading the charge for sustainable winemaking. Torres winery is known for its stunning Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Mas Le Plana,’ which is famous on the global stage.

You will enjoy a visit to the Mas La Plana vineyard, a visit to the Waltraud cellar, and pairings of wine and snacks. All with one of their wine educators.

Limited tickets available - please email Sharleen at slabonte@smithers.com to book.

Tour ends
Arrival back at conference hotel
Sightseeing Bus Tour
Collection from conference hotel

Join us on a sightseeing bus tour of some of Barcelona's major attractions. You will have the option to sit on the top deck of the bus for a 360° panoramic view of Barcelona's best sights, or sit on the bottom level for a more shaded option.

There will be a knowledgeable local guide on board the bus who will talk through the sights, with the route including:

  • Plaza de España, one of the city's most important squares, offering views of Montjuïc.
  • Avenida de la Reina Maria Cristina, leading to the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc.
  • Avenida de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, near the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC).
  • Avenida de Miramar, with panoramic views of the city from Montjuïc.
  • Plaza del Portal de la Pau, where the famous monument to Christopher Columbus is located.
  • Paseo de Colón, bordering the port and connecting to the Gothic Quarter.
  • Paseo de Picasso, near Ciutadella Park and the Picasso Museum.
  • Plaza de Cataluña, the heart of the city and a connecting point between the old town and the Eixample.
  • Paseo de Gràcia, one of the most elegant avenues, featuring modernist buildings such as Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.
  • Avenida Diagonal, one of the city's main arteries, crossing several important neighborhoods.

Limited space available - please email Sharleen at slabonte@smithers.com to book.

Drop-off back at conference hotel
Pre-Conference Networking Drinks Reception
Reception starts in the Foyer Sedna at the conference hotel
Reception ends
Registration and refreshments
Smithers welcome
Sabine Prack I Head of Production & Content, Smithers
Chairs opening remarks
Session: Market outlook – packaging sustainability and consumer trends
Navigating uncertainty: The future of Europe's packaging industry amid geopolitical and economic shifts
As geopolitical tensions and economic shifts reshape the global landscape, the European packaging industry faces mounting uncertainty. These disruptions are not only driving up costs and straining supply chains—they might also dampen demand across key markets. Together, these forces are challenging Europe’s position as a competitive hub for packaging production. While the level of exposure varies across packaging materials and individual companies, the entire industry must respond and adapt. This presentation explores the critical challenges ahead and the strategies companies are adopting to remain resilient and drive future growth.
 
Natasha Valeeva | Senior Analyst Packaging Supply Chain, Rabobank
KEYNOTE: Packaging sustainability market trends and developments What does the future hold for sustainable packaging?
The importance – and challenge – of maintaining consumer engagement
While most individuals recognise the requirement to act around climate change, the scale of the challenge is prompting many to disengage with personal actions that could help.  With packaging a tangible point of consumer interaction with sustainability issues, we explore what the consumer context means for the industry in terms of making real progress to deliver a sustainable packaging future.
 
Alex Baverstock | UK Pack & Product Testing Lead, Ipsos
Q&A session
Morning networking break
Session: The packaging and packaging waste regulation (PPWR): What’s next?

PPWR panel:
The PPWR aims to harmonise packaging regulations across the EU, setting ambitious targets for recyclability, reuse, and recycled content. However, there are still uncertainties about its implementation and the potential impact on the packaging industry. This panel will explore:

What are the benefits of the PPWR and the key challenges businesses facing in meeting the new PPWR requirements?
How are companies seeing this being corrected?
What is expect from the circularity action plan?
How can the EU ensure uniform enforcement across all member states?
What action companies need to take to prepare for the upcoming regulatory changes?
The Circular Economy Act (CEA) (secondary materials)

Moderator:
Delia Harabula I Sustainability Advocacy Lead EMEA, Amcor
Speakers:
Francesca Stevens I Secretary General, EUROPEN 

Joachim Quoden I Lawyer and Managing Director, EXPRA 
Speaker tbc I EC
Representative tbc I Government of Catalonia 

 
Session: Packaging minimisation and waste prevention
How to minimise: proposals from innovation and eco-design. treatment plants in Spain
  • PPWR minimisation targets - How to achieve them?
  • How to get there if we don’t include a significant number of reuse packaging?
  • Examples of innovation and eco-design.
  • Treatment plants for lightweight packaging in Spain.
  • How do they work?
  • What materials are we classifying?
  • Available technologies

Agata Soler-Roig Dualde | KAM Cataluña, Ecoembes
KEYNOTE: A retailer perspective - optimised design to reduce packaging
Session: Reuse and refill
Unlock the potential of reusable packaging in cosmetics with refill at home, refill in store & return
Jean-Marc Fontain I SPICE Programme Manager, Quantis
Anne Guillou | Sustainability Packaging & Development Manager, L'Oréal
When reuse gets tough, the tough get together
Implementing reuse in theory is straightforward—but in practice, the most impactful applications are often the most complex. This fireside chat brings together key stakeholders who are leading efforts to introduce reuse systems in sectors where infrastructure, regulation, and consumer behaviour present formidable challenges. Together, we will explore real-world examples, share critical insights, and discuss why collaboration across the value chain is essential to overcoming these barriers. When reuse gets tough, progress depends on those willing to work together.

Topics of discussion:
Barriers and levers for reuse at scale
Integration with (inter)national policies
Collaborating with value chain partners & harmonisation
Cost effectiveness & ROI of reuse systems at scale
Moderator: Willemijn Peeters I CEO & Founder, Searious Business 
Speakers:
Dr. Tim Breker I Co-Founder & Managing Director, VYTAL Global GmbH
Elke Gijsbrechts, Expert Sustainable Products, Colruyt Group

More speakers coming soon….
Networking lunch and interactive round table discussions
Join talks with industry peers, share ideas, make connections and find new partners. Each roundtable discussion group is hosted by an industry expert on a specific theme offering you a valuable opportunity to network, brainstorm solutions and discuss ideas with your peers on shared areas of interest. More information coming soon…
 
Session: Design for recycling
How CEN standards will help to apply PPWR art6?
Vincent Colard I Packaging Recyclability Director, Citeo
Steve Claus I Secretary General, Steel for Packaging Europe
Global brand perspective
  • How are brands dealing with it?  How are they working on design for recycling and different grades? How do they trying to improve it?
  • What does this mean for their packaging portfolio in concrete terms?
  • Which packaging within their packaging portfolio complies with the current guidelines and why is certain packaging unrecyclable and still being used? 
  • What are the trends?

Alejandra Navarro Barrón | Packaging Sustainability Manager, Reckitt
Perspective of a packaging converter
•  Design for recyclability as the fundamental basis and what it means
•  Implications for suppliers, customers, and the full value chain
•  How to address potential trade-offs in regard to functionality or decarbonisation
 
Dr. Gerald Rebitzer | Vice President Sustainability and Advocacy Europe and Asia, Amcor
Q&A panel with speakers from this session
  • Discuss 2-3 concrete packaging examples why the packaging is non-recyclable
  • What is the way forward?
  • How to overcome certain challenges faced by companies vs. waste management companies/recyclers?
  • Are brands changing their packaging or do we need to change the recycling infrastructure?
Afternoon networking break
Session: Recycling at scale
Discuss 1-2 examples of EPR systems from different countries
What to do to achieve 55% recycling performance in each of the 7 plastic sub-categories
Why are certain countries underperforming, although the EU average need to be achieved by 2035 to allow the use of packaging?
What needs to happen to fulfil the requirements from the PPWR?
How to improve infrastructures and processes of managing the EPR systems to meet the future demands of recycling at scales for all types of packaging?
How can we ensure the effectiveness of EPR frameworks through collaboration amongst stakeholders?

 

Hester Klein Lankhorst | Chair of the Board of Directors, Verpact
Q&A panel with industry key players
What can we do now as a value chain to upgrade infrastructure and increase performance?
How to change the governance of the system etc.?
How investments in recycling infrastructure will accelerate sustainable plastic packaging
How multinationals dealing with different infrastructures and definitions of recyclability?

Panellists:
Graeme Smith I Driving Packaging Innovation, Huhtamaki 
Alexander Reitz I Head of Consulting, PreZero 
Feliks Bezati I Global Circular Packaging Director, Mars 
Hester Klein Lankhorst I Chair of the Board of Directors, Verpact
The role of digitalisation to the increasing compliance on EPR and packaging?
Session: Brands & retailer perspectives
The holistic circular economy strategy of the companies of Schwarz Group
Bastian Lankeit I Team Leader Resources and Products, Corporate Responsibility - Circular Economy, Schwarz Corporate Affairs GmbH & Co. KG
Big brand & retailer panel: How to push packaging sustainability higher on the agenda? What is needed?
Moderator: Marco Macoratti I Head of Sustainable Packaging Solutions for Retail Brands, Mondi
Panellists:
Hannah Drew I Global Circular Packaging Manager, Aldi 
Hans Van Bochove I Head of EU Affairs, The Heineken Company  
Michael Hahl I VP Product & Packaging Engineering, Bosch Power Tools Accessories

More panellists to be confirmed
Chair closing remarks and end of conference day 1
Evening networking drinks reception
Join the main evening networking drinks reception, sponsored by Amcor at Sofitel Barcelona Skipper. More information can be found here: https://www.sustainability-in-packaging.com/sustainability-in-packaging-europe/networking-activities
Registration & refreshments (08:00 - 08:55)
Breakfast briefing:
Connect with brands & retailers seeking sustainable packaging solutions
More info coming soon...
Chairs opening remarks
Session: Driving biodiversity and decarbonisation with packaging sustainability
Biodiversity and sustainable packaging
Unpacking wine - a practical journey through the environmental landscape of packaging
  • Why packaging matters: rethinking the role of the bottle
  • From weight to waste: key environmental factors to consider
  • Beyond the bottle: the full packaging 
  • Turning insights into action: practical steps for wine businesses

Marta Mendonca | Head Manager & Impact, Porto Protocol
Session: Paper packaging & regulatory
Innovative sustainable packaging solutions
Speaker TBC, MM Group and brand
Morning networking break
Fireside chat: EUDR as a mean for more ESG awareness – a brand/retailer perspective
Speaker coming soon…
Session: Biobased plastics
The role of biobased plastics on supporting to reduce carbon footprint in packaging
Fossil free plastics – driving clean industrial growth
Session: Post-consumer recycled packaging (PCR)
5.5 Million Tons of recycled flexible packaging content in 2035. Will it be recycled - and can we use all of it?
5.5 Million tons of recycled flexible packaging content in 2035. Will it be recycled and can we use all of it?
  • Exploring the quality, quantity and price dynamics shaping PCR use and markets
  • Principal end market opportunities for recycled content – a focus on flexibles
  • Analysis of the sorting and recycling pathways needed to achieve PPWR targets
  • Making a sustainable business case for everyone involved
  • How to ensure traceability in recycled content?
  • Discuss the tension between PCR obligations and commitment from brands vs. market reality of the plastic recycling

Graham Houlder | Managing Director, Sloop Consulting and Project Coordinator, CEFLEX
Using recycled plastic in Cadbury dairy milk flexible packaging
Sharing Mondelez’s packaging sustainability strategy and ambition
Informing about the 2025 market launch of Cadbury Dairy Milk plastic packaging with 80% recycled plastic* front of pack claim (*mass balance certified)
Sharing some of the specific challenges including availability, certification and traceability of recycled content

Richard Akkermans | European R&D Packaging Sustainability Manager, Mondelēz International
Networking lunch break
Recycled content in food contact and cosmetic packaging materials
Session: New material innovations, recyclability and compostability driving circularity
Flexibility packaging recyclability: challenges and opportunities
Bio-converting hotmelt adhesives: advancing sustainable packaging solutions in regions with limited waste management infrastructure
Dragons den start-up panel:
How innovative start-ups are accelerating revenue generation and scale successfully. Each start-up will have 3 minutes to show case their solution and answer questions from the dragon den industry panel.

Start up speakers coming soon…
Closing the loop of compostable packaging
What is the real benefit of compostable packaging? How well is it utilised?
Are we collecting compostable material effectively?
Speaker TBC
Chair’s closing remark and end of conference
Registration & refreshments (08:00 - 08:55)
Breakfast briefing:
Connect with brands & retailers seeking sustainable packaging solutions
More info coming soon....
Chairs opening remarks
Session: New technologies & processes in mechanical recycling
Mechanical recycling: What is already available for FMCG and how to proceed
New technologies and processes for the recycling of flexible packaging
Session: Approaches and new technologies to achieve circularity by chemical recycling
Synergy of recycling technologies for a circular plastics industry
Mechanical and chemical recycling technologies combined to meet plastic recycling targets and drive success
The role of the new PPWR in creating markets for high-quality recyclates
Speaker TBC
Mass balance and clarification
Dr. Marvin Kusenberg I Postdoctoral Researcher (FWO), Laboratory for Chemical Technology (LCT) Ghent University 
 
Scaling from pilot to full production:
Erik Moerman I Development Director P2C, Indaver
A holistic approach to recycling: what is required to make it viable
Session: Labelling & regulatory
Hurdles in the implementation of harmonised waste labels across the EU
Presentation title TBC
William Connolly I Senior Principal Scientist, Diageo
Anthony Peyton I Director, PREP Design Pty Ltd.
Recycler TBC 
Session: Unlocking the potential of
digitalisation
Enabling circularity practices at scale through technology to support the digitalisation of value chain information via the digital product passport
Dragon’s den start up panel:
Each start-up will have 3 minutes to show case their solution and answer questions from the dragon den industry panel.

Moderator: Fredric Petit I Partner, Emerald


Sustainable packaging starts with data: avoiding pitfalls & optimising compliance
Vivian Loftin, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Recyda 
More start up speakers coming soon…
 
Networking lunch break
The impact of digitalisation on the packaging industry and why it’s important
Speaker TBC 
Session: Disruptive technologies & AI solutions (design, sorting, recycling & traceability)
Waste Intelligence: using waste data to ensure packaging circularity with AI
AI and circularity
Speaker TBC
Panel: How emerging and disruptive technologies are revolutionising the packaging industry?
Panellists to be announced…
 
Registration & refreshments (08:00 - 08:55)
Breakfast briefing:
Connect with brands & retailers seeking sustainable packaging solutions
More info coming soon...
Chairs opening remarks
Session: Market outlook, trends and developments
Market overview - sustainable secondary and tertiary packaging
  • Key market drivers leading to the rise in the adoption of secondary & tertiary packaging
  • Sustainable secondary packaging market eco-friendly packaging solution
  • The growth of e-commerce driving the demand for secondary packaging
  • What challenges does the secondary & tertiary packaging industry face during its growth?

Ciaran Little | VP, Global Consulting, Information Division, Smithers
Session: PPWR and extended producer responsibility (EPR) - secondary and tertiary packaging
Navigating the PPWR shift: challenges, innovations, and what’s next?
  • Understanding the key challenges of PPWR compliance
  • How to prepare for PPWR?
  • Leveraging Innovation and technology to stay ahead
  • Emerging trends

Aysu Katun | VP of Sustainability , Greif, Inc.
Beyond the box: EPR obligations for secondary & tertiary packaging
  • Understanding the Scope: Clarifying how EPR legislation applies to secondary (e.g. grouped packaging) and tertiary (e.g. transport/shipping packaging) materials across different jurisdictions.
  • Compliance & cost implications: breaking down fee structures, material-specific costs, and how business practices (like b2b packaging choices) can impact financial obligations.
  • Registration & reporting requirements: navigating the administrative burden—who needs to register, what needs to be reported, and the deadlines to be aware of.
  • Strategic considerations for producers: exploring data collection challenges, exemption thresholds, and opportunities to reduce costs through design and material choices.

Michelle Carvell | Chief Operating Officer, Lorax Compliance
Q&A session with all speakers
Morning networking break
Session: Reusable packaging in e-commerce and transport
Turning used beverage cartons into high-performance returnable transport packaging
  • Circular Economy is a critical concept for packaging producers.
  • PolyAl: what it is, why it’s important to explore viable applications for the recycled material polyAl , and how Tetra Pak is turning that into opportunity through collaboration.
  • A real-life example: transforming polyAl into durable, reusable transport crates in partnership with Schoeller Allibert.
  • How this project contributes to PPWR compliance and demonstrates the power of cross-industry innovation.
  • The role of material innovation in developing circular, high-performance packaging.
  • Partnership and scale: from pilot to a long-term, sustainable packaging solution
Frank Vandewal I Global Recycling Director – Industrial Solutions, Tetra Pak

Britta Wyss Bisang | VP Sustainability & Strategic MarCom, Schoeller Allibert
KEYNOTE: A retailer perspective - case studies
Transport packaging as a major challenge for supply chain safety
Scaling circular packaging for e-commerce
  • Plug-and-play reusable packaging infrastructure for e-commerce: What does it take to change the industry?
  • Documented environmental impact: RE-ZIP reporting suite providing all data on returns, reuses and CO₂, waste and water savings,
  • Turning compliance into an opportunity: How RE-ZIP support e-commerce to meet PPWR and EPR requirements.
  • RE-ZIP TrackWise: How RE-ZIP internal loop system supports the 100 % PPWR reuse targets.

Thomas Fugl | Chief Commercial Officer, RE-ZIP
Session: Sustainable solutions for e-commerce and transport packaging
FEFCO insights on reducing packaging waste and meeting EU standard across E-commerce and industrial supply chains corrugated packaging
Corrugated boxes are the most widely used packaging solution in both e-commerce and industrial supply chains, thanks to their cost-effectiveness, versatility in form and design, and high level of product protection.
  • Regulatory alignment: PPWR and FEFCO's role: overview of relevant PPWR provisions and FEFCO’s role in policy engagement and industry readiness
  • Efficiency at scale: strategies to minimise empty space and material use in B2B logistics
  • Best-practices in e-commerce fulfilment packaging and role of advanced technologies in our industry
  • Practical insights for PPWR implementation and futures trends on how the sector prepare and remain compliant

Juliette Guérin | Technical and Sustainability Director, FEFCO (European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers)
Revolutionising transport packaging: seamless integration of 35 to 50% of PCR in stretch hood packaging without compromise on load stability
Mondi is bursting the bubble: disrupting the ordinary eCommerce packaging formats with purpose driven innovation
Q&A session
Networking lunch
The power of less: Unpacking the value of pack minimisation
Session: Advanced technologies in e-commerce & transport packaging
Smart packaging: revolutionising the future of product delivery
Speaker coming soon...
AI-powered packing and warehouse automation & robotics
Speaker TBC
 
Panel discussion
Chairs closing remarks and end of conference



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