A Reflection on Packaging Europe – Sustainable Packaging Summit – Winfried Muehling

This year, for the first time, we took part in the Sustainable Packaging Summit as a media partner of Packaging Europe and gave a presentation on the topic of “Circularity – leadership and responsibility”.

We are very selective when choosing media partnerships, and when we discussed the opportunity with Packaging Europe, it was a no-brainer.

When we read the agenda the year before, it was clear that Pro Carton had to be at the 2023 event.  The 2022 agenda was very much centred on plastic packaging, and as Packaging Europe was hosting the event, it attracted executives from across the value chain.

As well as a media partnership, we were keen to be part of the programme and share our views on sustainable packaging.  And in this time of PPWR discussions, what better topic than the circular economy.  We added two more dimensions to the topic, namely leadership and responsibility.

More than 500 delegates attended the event.  The agenda was filled with all the topics that keep our industry moving.  Two days full of inspiring presentations and an atmosphere of sharing, listening and exchanging.

The event took place in the Beurs van Berlage, a national monument in the historic centre of Amsterdam, just steps away from Central Station.

The presentations were held in two parallel phases over the two days.  One stage was dedicated to the topic of “Strategy”, the other to “Innovation”.  Well-chosen topics and highly professional presentations.

The coffee breaks offered plenty of time to exchange ideas with other participants.  A great opportunity to network, discuss and exchange ideas.

Both Packaging Europe and Pro Carton emphasised the relevance of cooperation and confirmed the strong interest in further strengthening relations.  We recommend our members to put the Sustainable Packaging Summit in their diary for 2024.  We are preparing to expand our cooperation and become a media partner again.