Page 46 - Packaging News Sep-Oct 2020

MACHINERY MATTERS
COVID-19 challenges continue, virtual AGM offers opportunities
“Looking forward, past the day to day challenges we face as a result of Covid-19, as an essential service industry, there is no doubt the packaging and processing and manufacturing industry will play a major role in the economic-recovery process.”
Welcome to the latest edition of Machinery Matters, brought to you by the APPMA in an exclusive partnership with PKN Packaging News and Food and Drink Business.
The challenges from Covid-19 have been, and will remain, the talk of the town. Businesses have had to continually update and implement their “Covid Safe” plans based on different states’ varying guidelines and restrictions. While business in most states is able to operate, allow interactions and trade with some level of normality, Victoria has continued to struggle in getting on top of the spread of the virus. However, a positive at the time of writing this column is that infection numbers have begun trending down, giving rise to increased optimism that Victoria could join the other states with regards to some form of normality.
While Covid-19 has certainly presented the world with unique challenges, our industry is essential to the wellbeing of the Australian population and the nation’s economic recovery. With that in mind, the APPMA has continued to focus on how the association can best deliver value and benefit, and support to our members and the broader packaging and processing industry. This has included working in partnership with the Fight Food Waste CRC, delivering an expanded member and industry communication program that saw the APPMA host a series of online webinar and educational programmes, as well as developing the Covid-19 manual assisting all members in accessing information and managing change through the pandemic restrictions. In addition, the association was active in sponsorship and support of food-rescue services such as OzHarvest and Foodbank during these challenging times for many Australian families.
From a broader business and economic perspective, events and activities involving larger gatherings continue to be compromised with the recent announcement of the deferral of Foodtech Packtech NZ after previously having 102 days of no Covid-19 cases. This sends a very real message as to the unpredictability and challenges facing all industries in relation to the planning, implementation and risk assessments associated with businesses and events that involve both small and/or large gatherings of people, whether that be within the hospitality, tourism, educational industry sectors right through to personal and family events. Unfortunately, without the security of a safe and proven vaccine these challenges will continue to be present thereby requiring a continued united approach to Covid-19 safe practices in the several months ahead.
Looking forward, past the day to day challenges we face as a result of Covid-19 as an essential service industry, there is no doubt the packaging and processing and manufacturing industry will play a major role in the economic-recovery process and the longer-term strategic position of Australia as an independent nation. This will translate into further opportunities for our members and the manufacturing industry at large.
Along with the entire APPMA board and management team, I am very much looking forward to being able to re-engage at a face-to-face event. Our very own AUSPACK is the perfect such place.
Please stay safe and well,
MARK DINGLEY, CHAIRMAN
CONNECT WITH APPMA
There are various ways to stay in touch with APPMA, including our website appma.com.au and social media.
2 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 MACHINERY MATTERS
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