Ahead of his presentation at Sustainability in Packaging Europe 2019, we interviewed Raphaël Bardet, Head of Business Line, Food at Ahlstrom-Munksjö Specialties about his upcoming presentation, industry changes in fibre based packaging, future innovations and more. 



Q. Your presentation will discuss “How fiber-based solutions will support the move to more sustainable food packaging” can you give us a sneak peak of what delegates will hear?

The current packaging regulation on sustainability, especially regarding recyclability and single use plastics is forcing the packaging industry to reconsider the packaging design. In our presentation delegates will hear about Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s stance in those matters and how fiber-based packaging materials can help. We will also use several industry cases to illustrate how fiber-based solutions can replace non sustainable packaging.

Q. Why did you choose to tackle this topic?

We see flexible packaging as a major stake for the future of our planet, and therefore for brands as well. Fiber based materials can contribute to more sustainable packaging. Since fibers are the core in what we do here at Ahlstrom-Munksjö; we feel we both have a prime position and a duty to improve the solutions and support the different stakeholders on this complex topic; as there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to sustainability.

Q. What do you see as the most significant changes coming up in fibre based packaging in the next 12-24 months?

In the near future, we expect that stimulated by a combination of legislation and clear consumer preference, fiber-based materials will become part of any brand’s consideration set and become mainstream in supermarket’s aisles. 

Q. What is next for Ahlstrom-Munksjö  in terms of sustainability packaging solutions? What are you excited about?

We are excited to continue to challenge the boundaries of what fiber-based materials can do; to match closer than ever the performance and properties of non-sustainable packaging. We are looking forward to all the direct collaboration with brands this will require, and are eager to be part of discussions about what can future packaging look like at the global level.

Q. What are you most looking forward to at the Sustainability in Packaging conference in Barcelona?

We are looking forward to getting a pulse on what is next in sustainable packaging .

Q. Why do you feel it’s important for companies to attend the Sustainability in Packaging EU 2019?

Not only for the reason mentioned above but also to be able to network with the entire value chain at once when it comes to packaging. This can give a real boost to companies who wish to think about what their packaging can look like in the future.