You will be joining the paperisation panel at the Sustainability in Packaging conference in Barcelona. Tell us a bit more about the themes you will focusing during the panel.

• In my role of 4evergreen Ambassador I’ll introduce the panel and then present a short deck on 4evergreen’s goals and toolkits.
• I will then continue as a representative of Graphic Packaging International, discussing a recent example of plastic-to-paper transition that we supported and what that means from a sustainability and future-proofing point of view.
  
• The panel will also highlight other examples before discussing how the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation could create opportunities/accelerate current trends in “paperisation”, as well as related challenges for fibre-based packaging and further innovations that are needed.

What do you think will be some of the most interesting advancements in materials or packaging types in the near future?

• Packaging minimisation through lightweight designs and material innovations. This is a must for all packaging in terms of future-proofing for the regulations and also supports decarbonisation targets.
• Improved barriers that can provide functionality at lower amounts and/or with minimal impact on recyclability. This is a core enabler to paperisation.
• Use of more renewable materials (paperisation, but also possibly bio-based polymers for the barriers).
• These developments will need to be supported by the appropriate innovation in processing technologies e.g., in terms of paperboard forming.

Which exciting projects are Graphic Packaging currently working on?

We are looking into the above trends and focusing our efforts (among others) on:

• New barrier developments.
• Innovations that are more functional, more circular and more convenient.
• Plastic substitution for more complex/challenging applications such as those that will be in the scope of restrictions in PPWR or those which do not meet minimum recyclability requirements.
• Collaborations with the value chain.

What are you most looking forward to hearing about and discussing with your fellow speakers and delegates at this year's Sustainability in Packaging conference?

Understanding each speaker’s perceptions of what the future could look like in terms of sustainable packaging. Also, discussing innovations/systems changes needed. Our round table on 4evergreen on October 8 will also be a good opportunity to hear the delegates' points of view on the matter.