The clamor to phase out and ban multi-layer plastic flexible laminate packaging has been steadily increasing. This is because multi-layer plastic laminates are non-recyclable and their widespread use causes littering and environmental degradation of the landscape.
As a consequence, the Plastics Waste Management Rules 2016 were promulgated by the Government of India with an aim to reduce and recycle the use of post-consumer use plastic packaging. The rules also stipulate the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) of packaged product producers to be responsible for sustainable collection and disposal or recycling of the waste packaging.
Due to these rules and increasing consumer group activism, branded product companies are being forced to seek alternates to plastic flexible laminates. Among the strong contenders for a replacement to flexible plastics is paper, which is heat-sealable and offers comparable barrier properties.
Many paper manufacturing and converting companies around the world are developing viable solutions that are cost effective and scalable in terms of productivity. Specialty paper may soon be able to offer resource-efficient materials made from renewable sources that are recyclable and do not clog up the waste stream.
The International Packaging Conclave 2019, co-organized by IppStar and Reed Exhibitions, will take place on 30 August 2019 at Pragati Maidan, Delhi. This year’s conference themed, ‘Papering,’ for the future of packaging, intends to review new developments from the varying perspectives of policy makers, brand owners, raw material manufacturers, converters as well as EPR agents. The outcome of the conclave will be of help to the various stakeholders in the industry to gain a full understanding of the stage of developments for the replacement of plastic flexible packaging and to make future plans accordingly.
The conference is targeted at packaging development teams from brands, brand owners, packaging purchase teams, product marketing managers, raw materials, inks and chemical manufacturers, policy makers and EPR agencies. Experts and veterans from the industry have been invited as speakers for the event.
The conference will begin at 12:30 p.m. with lunch and registration. The first session will be on ‘Reduction & reuse — Brand owner case studies of substance reduction, recycling and waste management’ at 2:30 p.m. The second session on ‘Wonder materials to meet active packaging challenges’ will start at 4 p.m. The third session, ‘Realities of conversion & environment management,’ will start at 5:30 p.m. The conference will end with a concluding session, felicitations of speakers and sponsors, and a tea networking session.
