Better packaging design is key to tackling the problem of plastic waste and recyclability. Seeking to close the gap between producers and recyclers, resource management company Veolia has now opened its Sustainable Packaging Academy, in an effort to provide businesses with more insight into packaging circularity and future-proof packaging design.
Through this initiative, Veolia aims to support the industry to achieve a real circular economy for all types of packaging and ensure materials can be easily collected, recycled and returned to industry for re-use. This approach brings in the consumer experience, waste collection, processing and end market realities to help provide the best advice on overcoming the challenges.
Members of the new Academy will have access, not only to Veolia’s recycling expertise, but also to the latest reports and design guides, to keep ahead of legislative and other changes. The Academiy will provide opportunities for networking with other packaging stakeholders and for working in partnership to develop bespoke solutions that boost sustainability.
"We all know the impact of packaging on the environment, and the launch of our Sustainable Packaging Academy will further strengthen our work with manufacturers, industry bodies, and local authorities in the drive to ensure that it is all recyclable,” said Richard Kirkman, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, Veolia UK and Ireland. “If we are to deliver on the huge surge in public interest in our sector we must put the Resources & Waste strategy into practice in a way that can be understood by people inside, and outside, the industry.”
The Academy is aimed at anyone who is involved in packaging design, environment, supply chain or sustainability roles in key sectors such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, retail or packaging manufacture.