“The private label packaging sector is at a turning point, the time to act is now,” urged Benjamin Punchard, packaging insights director at market research agency Mintel, as he kicked off PLMA’s first Private Label Packaging Conference in the Hague on 30 January.
Punchard added: ‘Sustainability remains a key focus, but further innovation is needed to make environmentally friendly packaging cost-effective and practical. Plastic remains a dominant material, but the emphasis is shifting towards responsible plastic use through reduced material, recyclability and recycled content.’
Kevin Loos, Retail & Channel Manager at Tetra Pak, another speaker, also stressed the importance of acting by informing that one third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted. Tetra Pak works closely with retailers and manufacturers to develop new products and packaging. Loos discussed four core steps that Tetra Pak offers its customers to go from idea to market: co-creation, AI design services, the launch process and packaging benefits. “We believe that collaboration and innovation are the key to success," said Loos.
Leena Whittaker, Director of Competitiveness at EuroCommerce, explained the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which entered into force on 11 February 2025. Its general date of application is 18 months after that. The rules aim to minimise the quantities of packaging and waste generated while lowering the use of primary raw materials and fostering the transition to a circular, sustainable and competitive economy.
The details of the regulations are still in development. Whittaker urged manufacturers, packaging companies and retailers to inform them of problems that they run into when implementing the new regulations. That enables EuroCommerce to give good feedback to EU policymakers, which is essential to ensure that the rules remain workable.
The conference included a full day of presentations on all aspects of packaging with 10 speakers and an industry panel discussion. The winners of the first PLMA Salute to Excellence Packaging Awards were also announced. Information can be found here.