Vox Pop: Will 2010 be a better year for UK packaging?

MAYBE 2010 will present a raft of new challenges as well as a continuation of existing ones. For our part, the number of New World wines bottled in the UK will significantly increase, delivering reductions in cost and further reducing the carbon footprint. The weakness of sterling will mean that UK-produced containers will continue to find a market in Europe and farther afield. Less clear are the effects that may come about from government initiatives, including moves to introduce carbon taxes.
Peter Fitzgerald, sales and marketing director, Quinn Group

YES Most definitely. The industry had a relatively poor 2009, which a lot of companies will write off as a blip. In the UK, in sectors where Clondalkin has been strong, such as cosmetics and confectionery, we’ve certainly been affected by the downturn. Fortunately, we’d already consolidated our UK businesses and had cut back labour and costs. In 2010, we believe things will improve, and have already seen business pick up in the second half of 2009. The low point has already been reached.
Chris Hill, specialist packaging sales and marketing director, Clondalkin Group

YES Over the past few months, we have seen encouraging levels of enquiries from exhibitions across Europe and several major projects that have been under discussion are starting to move forward. The recovery is still patchy but most Western European markets are looking up and there is some positive movement beginning in the east. Obviously, the availability of credit to enable investment to take place is going to be critical to a sustained recovery in 2010.
Paul Griffin, marketing and business development director, Ishida Europe

YES 2010 will be a better year. In 2009, economic conditions shocked the supply chain forcing the industry to make sudden readjustments. Now these changes have been made, the packaging industry is entering a period of stability. After the Copenhagen climate change summit, the world will be focused more than ever on carbon efficiency. Society is moving beyond green-washing and political correctness and consumer actions will be motivated by what will truly make a difference to the environment.
John Revess, vice president of marketing and environmental affairs, Rexam Beverage Can Europe

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