Technological watch

A selection of some of the highlights from speakers at the Packaging Speaks Green Conference and the Greenplast events area

Opening the speeches on day one, the Italian Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs Manilo Di Stefano appeared via videolink to stress the importance of environmentally friendly packaging to carbon emissions reductions, and to explain how investments in sustainable solutions are paramount to Italy's and the EU's climate change action plans. Italy is ready to innovate, according to Di Stefano, whose words were echoed by General Director of the Italian Trade Agency Roberto Luongo: "We are in the house of innovation. To be innovative today is to be part of a circular economy. We cannot talk about innovation if we are not in this circular economy."

× Expand Packaging Speaks Green Conference Highlights The Packaging Speaks Green Conference has been organised especially to promote sustainability in the packaging industry, added UCIMA President Matteo Gentili, a message shared by AMAPLAST President Dario Previero, who said: "Greenplast brings a focus on sustainable plastics and circular economy, where exhibitors bring environmentally friendly solutions. We need to provide more information and focus on sustainable technology."

With the opening speeches from distinguished members of the Italian Government and trade bodies over, the first speaker of the conference proper was Richard Cope of Mintel, author of the Mintel Sustainability Barometer. Cope believes that through the consumer's relationship with packaging, brand-owners have an opportunity to engage in a "partnership" with the everyday consumer.