Leading retailers to debate plastics in packaging at industry event

A number of major retailers have been confirmed for the upcoming Big Plastics Debate at Packaging Innovations 2018.

Representatives from Coca Cola, Co-Op, Asda, Marks & Spencer and Iceland will discuss the hot topic of plastics in packaging on Day One of the show at Birmingham’s NEC on February 28.

The Big Plastics Debate will focus on two key areas – ‘the road ahead for packaging professionals’ and ‘developing new approaches to plastics in the face of increasing government and consumer pressure’.

The panel will see Ian Schofield (own label & packaging manager at Iceland) joined by industry experts including Nick Brown (head of sustainability at Coca Cola European Partners), Iain Ferguson (environment manager at Co-op), Shane Monkman (head of procurement, packaging & operations at ASDA), and Kevin Vyse (senior packaging technologist & circular economy lead at M&S).

James Drake-Brockman, divisional director of Easyfairs’ Packaging Portfolio said, “All packaging professionals will know that sustainability is the most talked about subject in the UK at the moment. Theresa May has made it a Government initiative, whilst big brands are coming forward every day with new promises to make their packaging recyclable and renewable. Not only are we fully on board with this change in direction and culture, but we are also thrilled to have these big brands taking to the stage as part of our Big Plastics Debate.

“We have had sustainably at the heart of the show for over ten years now, but the problem is more prolific than ever, which is why are pleased to have the opportunity to bring some of the industry’s biggest players together in one panel to discuss the issue of plastic packaging. This debate is not to be missed!”

The Big Plastics Debate will also include a Q&A session with the panellists and presentations from host Martin Kersh, executive director at The Food Service Packaging Association and keynote speaker, Iceland’s Ian Schofield. Ian will outline the retailer’s plans to remove all plastics from its own-label packaging by 2023.