MMK on location – the most important industry events during Q3/Q4 of 2019
Six conferences, one overarching topic: Sustainability.
September 19 and 20, 2019, Malta
“Driving the Change – Cartons Make the Difference!” – This was the motto and at the same time working agenda of this year’s ECMA Congress (European Carton Makers Association) in Malta. The objective was to further explore the essential benefits of cartonboard as a packaging material, and to discuss with a large panel how the cartonboard and folding carton industry will develop in light of changing consumer attitudes toward sustainability, legislative measures at the European level (key term: EU Circular Economy Package) and political trends. One talk in particular, that of Andrea Boltho, Oxford University, provided lots of food for thought: It illuminated the current economic and political situation in Europe and the consequences of events like Brexit, the withdrawal of Great Britain from the EU, or the presidency of Donald Trump.
Our talk “Sustainability Sells” showed that the future belongs to cartonboard: There are countless possibilities for making packaging more sustainable. With consistent cooperation of supply chain partners, packaging can be developed to provide maximum functionality with the best possible product protection and minimal ecological impact. Cartonboard, the sustainable packaging material, is often the best choice. The selected success stories of our customers proved it vividly. As every year, creativity was honoured at the awards ceremony of the European Carton Excellence Awards. MM Karton took home no less than 8 awards. We are thankful and would like to also congratulate all the other winners.
(German Fruit and Vegetable Congress)
September 16 and 17, 2019, Düsseldorf
Grown in nature, packaged in nature. Especially for fruit and vegetables, sustainable packaging solutions are indispensable. The DOGK is a hotspot for the European fruit and vegetable sector. The demand for sustainable packaging is correspondingly great and was one of the main topics for the nearly 600 visitors (retailers, producers, importers, exporters, seed producers, etc.). Questions regarding the recyclability and compostablility of cartonboard were the order of the day. All MMK cartonboard qualities – including our special qualities with barriers – consist of renewable raw materials and are recyclable and biodegradable as defined by the standards EN 13430 and EN 13432. MM Karton was able to position itself as a reliable partner for the protection of sustainable products with sustainable packaging solutions.
September 24 to 26, 2019, Nuremberg
The FachPack is an expo of superlatives: On the three days of the fair, 1,600 exhibitors in 12 halls present their products and services revolving around progressive packaging solutions to an informed public of 45,000 visitors. This year, the 40th anniversary of the Fachpack, the fair was dedicated to the main topic “Environmentally friendly packaging”. Interested visitors had a chance to gather information on the issues of sustainability at the many exhibits, but also during the extensive programme of events with many lectures, special exhibits and awards ceremonies.
The MM exhibit presented the topic of the day perfectly and attracted many visitors. There were several turntables, each of which compared a packaging of non-sustainable materials with a sustainable alternative made of cartonboard. Whether pizza packaging without shrink wrap but with an adapted construction that fits more tightly around the product, or clamshell packages made of cartonboard as proven sustainable alternatives for fast food containers of expanded polystyrene – the examples exhibited at the booth showed that it is possible to have it all: a striking brand appearance, first-rate design and environmentally-friendly packaging. To make the change to sustainable packaging, it is often enough to question existing packaging construction or to make use of the barrier properties already available with cartonboard. The MM fair exhibit made it clear: There are lots of options for replacing non-sustainable packaging materials. What is needed above all is a will to change – and a strong partner.
October 9 to 11, 2019, Geneva
At this year’s annual conference of FEFCO, the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers, the motto “Mastering our Processes” was the order of the day. More than one thousand representatives of the corrugated board industry gathered in Geneva to discuss the countless possibilities of the packaging sector, which has grown, become more fast-paced, and is seeing a host of new opportunities, not least thanks to e-ecommerce. It is now faced with reconciling innovation with the demand for sustainability: lighter, stronger, and more environmentally friendly.
MM Karton was present with its compelling range of liners: MM Liner™, MM Topliner™ and MM BiB-Liner™ for offset printing; MM X-Liner™ HD, MM X-Liner™ lite and MM X-Liner™ aqua-fit for Flexo printing.
November 12 to 14, 2019, Barcelona
Sustainability has become one of the key factors that determine the choice of packaging. The conference called “Sustainability in Packaging Europe” intends to offer a 360-degree view of the most important challenges the supply chain faces today in developing a functioning circular economy. The exciting mix of participants – from both the brand name and the retail sectors – made the summit meeting a successful event. Particularly interesting facts emerged during a panel discussion in the statements of leading brand name companies (such as Mars, P&G, Nestlé, Reckitt Benckiser) about their progress and measures for achieving their sustainability goals. Packaging is gaining more and more strategic significance. And cartonboard is clearly recognized as of the main pillars supporting the modern circular packaging economy.
November 14, 2019, Vösendorf
The annual ECR Congress is Austria’s largest gathering of the consumer goods economy on the issue of Efficient Consumer Response. ECR is the name of a cross-sector initiative for the cooperation between manufacturers and retailers. Its overarching goal is to offer consumers better, more efficient and more sustainable products and services. The ECR Day 2019 – true to its motto “NEW PACKAGEING” – examined packaging from a wide variety of perspectives. The event provided valuable food for thought for a broad, very heterogeneous public. At the MM fair exhibit, congress participants were able to obtain information on sustainable packaging solutions in keeping with a truly functioning circular economy.
