THE UK Sheet Plant Association (SPA) has hailed the success of its recent conference, held at Silverstone Circuit, which attracted more than 260 delegates from across the country and international corrugated packaging supply chain.
Attendees included senior representatives from SPA sheet plant members, supplier companies, industry bodies, and trade press, alongside a cohort of students exploring future careers in paper-based packaging.
The SPA described delegate feedback as ‘overwhelmingly positive’, adding that many called it the best SPA conference to date.
The event opened with a welcome and industry overview from SPA chairman Tim Gray, followed by updates from Alex Veitch (Confederation of Paper Industries), EUWID, and NOA.
Technology and risk management featured prominently, with sessions on AI and cyber security from Nick Baxter (AI Expert) and Stefan Liversidge (OPSWAT).
A highlight was the focus on talent and future workforce development, with the presence of students and tutors widely praised. Ben Edmonds (Cardboard Ninja) delivered a presentation that included a call for businesses to donate usable waste materials, such as cardboard offcuts, to local schools. The ‘Think Inside The Box’ Student Design Awards celebrated creativity from Northampton College and Sharnbrook Sixth Form.
The SPA added that one of the most impactful sessions came from Nic Hamilton, whose humble and inspiring story of resilience, determination, and achievement captivated the audience.
Jo Stephenson highlighted initiatives including Young People In Print (YPIP) and confirmed the SPA will be actively involved in cross-industry discussions later this month to develop an aligned approach to attracting young talent into print and packaging.
The conference also celebrated graduates of the SPA Emerging Leaders Programme and welcomed 19 new candidates who started their two-year programme immediately following the event.
Delegates engaged with an interactive zone featuring cyber security experts, the AI Pit Stop Zone, racing simulators, SPARK Robotics, the UK Corrugated Industry Trade Show gazebo and a Supplier Showcase.
The event was supported by headline sponsor Amtech Software.
