ANTALIS Packaging has announced the appointment of former head of business development John Garner to the newly created role of head of innovation and design.
The move has been made in response to what the company described as the ‘increasingly complex needs’ of customers looking to fulfil their requirement for packaging materials at the same time as trying to improve their sustainability credentials.
In his new role, John will be focused on research, collaboration and education. He said, “I am passionate about the environment, but I am also very aware that what we have seen happen during the last couple of years is a hasty reaction against plastics, which is effectively shifting the burden elsewhere – there is quite a lot of greenwashing out there now.
“Fibre-based products are recyclable so we won’t see them floating in the sea, but they come with a carbon impact of their own, which cannot be ignored.”
John will be tasked with engaging with a range of organisations and institutions, help lead the debate around packaging and understand what can be done to minimise the impact of all aspects of the supply chain and beyond. He will also be working within Antalis to help develop new substrates and explore new technologies, such as robotics.
“Reducing the carbon – and other – impacts of packaging and packaging operations, doesn’t always come down to the choice of packaging materials,” he added. “There are other factors at play such as efficiency, right-sizing, and ensuring the packaging used will deliver the least environmental impact. I am also keen to share that plastic can actually be the most sustainable, low-carbon option; depending on the nature of a customer’s business, what is being packed, and where it is being sent.
“I’m really excited about the job at hand; I am looking forward to having lots of straightforward, honest conversations with people from all areas with a vested interest in ensuring packaging is as sustainable as it can be.”
