ISO Packaging Standards for Commercial Success







Anders Linde, a speaker at the marcus evans EuroPack Summit 2011, on how harmonised packaging standards impact commercial success.


Interview with: Anders Linde, Chairman, ISO Technical Committee for Packaging & Environment



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


“From a commercial point of view, harmonised packaging standards are important. Many companies are international or trade in more than one market. Having different product packaging standards to follow for each country would drive up  costs for production and compliance,” according to Anders Linde, Chairman, ISO Technical Committee for Packaging & Environment.


A speaker at the marcus evans EuroPack Summit 2011 taking place in Cannes, France, 4 – 6 July, Linde discusses how organisations will benefit from having a global, harmonised approach to dealing with the environmental and sustainability aspects of packaging.


Why are international standards for measuring the environmental impact of packing essential?


Anders Linde: We have witnessed many initiatives across the world, by retailers, policy makers and consultant companies, all trying to develop metrics for packaging. If this is done in an uncoordinated way, there is a risk of ending up with multiple approaches that benefit specific stakeholders and confusing consumers. This is why ISO standards for a global, harmonised way of dealing with the environmental and sustainability aspects of packaging are being developed.


We also recognise that there is a risk of national initiatives hindering the free movement of goods. The ISO standards have two very clear objectives: to create a common language, a reference point for packaging design and recovery to benefit sustainability discussions and to prevent the risk of introducing trade barriers created by unharmonised packaging regulations.


How can these standards be used for commercial advantage?


Anders Linde: From a commercial point of view, harmonised packaging standards are important. Many companies are international or trade in more than one market. Having different product packaging standards to follow for each country would drive up production costs.


It is also beneficial for packaging directors, who are part of the packaging chain, to demonstrate to retailers that they follow the ISO standards, produce and source materials in a sustainable way.


Most of the ISO standards will be an improvement or modification of guidelines that already exist. Although their application will be optional, there will be great value to a Chinese company wanting to sell packaging in Europe to follow them.


How will the ISO standards encourage innovation in packaging?


Anders Linde: These metrics are a good instrument for driving innovation in packaging, as the industry will have to come up with new ways of minimising packaging waste whilst keeping product performance levels at their maximum.


What best practices would you recommend?


Anders Linde: Make sure that the packaging of the product fits its purpose. Otherwise, you will lose the value of the product. If this is combined with packaging that is recoverable, it will be the best strategy for a sustainable future.



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About the EuroPack Summit 2011


This unique forum will take place at the Majestic Barrière Hotel, Cannes, France, 4 – 6 July 2011. Offering much more than any conference, seminar or trade show, this exclusive meeting will bring together esteemed industry thought leaders and solution providers to a highly focused and interactive networking event. The Summit includes presentations on reinventing the innovation model, engineering consumer experiences, real world solutions for packaging sustainability and efficiency in the entire value chain.


For more information please send an email to info@marcusevanscy.com or visit the event website at www.europacksummit.com


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Please note that the summit is a closed business event and the number of participants strictly limited.


About marcus evans Summits


marcus evans Summits are high level business forums for the world’s leading decision-makers to meet, learn and discuss strategies and solutions. Held at exclusive locations around the world, these events provide attendees with a unique opportunity to individually tailor their schedules of keynote presentations, think tanks, seminars and one-to-one business meetings. For more information, please visit www.marcusevans.com


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