Recession a ‘great opportunity’ for plastic packaging, says Pafa

Read, managing director of Printpack Europe, told delegates at yesterday’s annual general meeting of the Packaging and Films Association that it was too simplistic to describe packaging as “recession-proof”, but plastic films were well placed to survive.

He said the difficult economic environment could be a great opportunity for plastic packaging, which is very cost-effective, provides excellent product protection and can include convenience factors, like resealable closures, that would be attractive to consumers looking to waste less.

“Plastic packaging stands up particularly well in tough times,” said Read.

He added it was a constant challenge to make sure the industry’s message was heard, and decisions about environmental impact needed to be based on evidence.

“We support recycling, but there are also other things like energy from waste,” he said.

Pafa is involved in the Plastics 2020 campaign, to be launched on7 July, and has also developed a retail roadshow to help inform retailers of the environmental benefits of plastic packaging.

Read, an American who has lived in the UK for nine years, is returning to the US to take up a new position at Printpack and is, therefore, obliged to cut short his term as Pafa chairman.

“I am confident that Pafa will thrive in the future due to the unwavering commitment of its membership to the packaging industry,” he said.

A replacement has not yet been announced.

· Philip Marchant has been awarded Pafa honorary lifetime membership for his contribution to the industry. Marchant bought Marchant Manufacturing from his father in the 1970s and it is now run by two of his three sons.

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