My manifesto to evolve the Packaging Society

Let me first introduce myself as the new chairman of IOP: The Packaging Society, although many of you may well know me from my 45 years in this fascinating Industry.

I do mean fascinating. And in my new capacity I intend to spread the word and get our industry the recognition it so rightly deserves. In the current economic recession there has never been a better time to use packaging expertise.

If you have a packaging division, you should now be looking at your existing products and help that bottom line through careful cost analysis. This can be explored throughout the supply chain and in particular on the production line. Talk to production and see what they are missing. Where are the weak spots on the line that you can help to improve? It is often the case that such an analysis will yield spin-off innovations that provide maybe a new product line and extra profit.

One of the challenges that we all face is sustainability, the environment and climate change. Carbon emission figures are on the agenda, but there are many other solutions to the problems. This brings us into the realms of waste and recycling. Much has been said on the subject and even more needs to be done to put the necessary infrastructure in position to cover all options. Most packaging can be recycled if the facilities are there, some reuse is possible and where mixed materials are used incineration with energy recovery can complete the cycle.

Much is debated about reducing packaging complexity but this is not always the right direction. Mixed material packs often provide extra protection and barrier properties which can give the product increased shelf life. Too much packaging reduction can produce more damage to the product and therefore more rejects. It can also mean slowing down the production line to cope with the inevitable loss of efficiency.

In terms of IoP: The Packaging Society, in past years as the Institute of Packaging there were many local branches around the country. Sadly many of these are now dormant and I intend to do my best to get some of them up and running again. Whilst I can do so much to help the local societies for the benefit of members I will need your support. Together we can make a difference in the Manchester area, the North East, the Thames Valley, Scotland and Wales.

Watch this space to see how the new-look Packaging Society will evolve in the coming months.

Contact Keith Barnes at keith@keithbarnes.com

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