Page 29 - Packaging News Magazine Nov-Dec2020

November–December 2020 | www.packagingnews.com.au AUSTRALASIAN PACKAGING CONFERENCE 2020
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packaging
KEY TAKEAWAYS
response around the globe to public concerns about packaging waste, notably single-use plastic waste, and regulators are adopting various approaches for minimising and man- aging packaging waste.
The bright light comes from the response of FMCG companies, he said, who are actively promoting high recyclability and recycled con- tent in their packaging.
In closing, he shared the confront- ing image of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, underscoring his opening statement that this is not where plas- tic belongs. And this provided the ideal segue for the next keynote speaker, Pete Ceglinksi, CEO and co- founder of Seabin Project.
WASTE-FREE WATERWAYS
Ceglinski explained how Seabin works: it’s effectively a garbage bin that floats on the surface in marinas to filter water and capture plastic waste and
other debris. It includes technology to monitor and measure litter at various locations and how it links to weather patterns and human behaviour.
“The Pollution Index by Seabin Project is a global data platform to measure the health of our waterways and in turn, our oceans,” he said. “Data sets provided by a network of over 19 countries fill critical knowl- edge gaps needed by decision mak- ers to justify the change we all want to see: cleaner oceans and a better value of life.”
Seabin Project is now in 54 coun- tries, which sees a daily collection of 4.5 tonnes of plastic waste.
Ceglinksi said: “What we are doing affects everyone, it’s everybody’s problem; the only way for us to find a solution is through partnership and collaboration. We need more voices, we need to scale up. We need to raise awareness and then funnel that into the change we want to see.” ■
BY ANTHONY PEYTON, DIRECTOR GREENCHIP AND PREP DESIGN
• The packaging industry is working at the
fastest pace I’ve seen it to create more
sustainable packaging, sans greenwash.
• Achieving the 2025 National Packaging
Targets is now embedded in business
processes.
• Every part of the supply chain is
creating innovative circular solutions that are competitive, disruptive and built for scale.
• The AIP’s close working relationship with APCO means there is a seamless contribution in the areas of program development, industry support, education and inspiration.
• This event has shown that the packaging industry is a tight-knit, resilient community willing to help each other out.