Jude Allan is Chair of the IOM3 Packaging Group. IOM3 is a leading science and engineering professional body that promotes and develops all aspects of the materials cycle and is home to the Packaging Group.

Margaret Bates joined OPRL as Managing Director in 2020, previously she was Professor of Sustainable Wastes Management at the University of Northampton where she still has a visiting Professor role. She has been involved in wastes management for 30 years and undertook her PhD on landfill microbiology. She was previous President of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, is a Chartered Waste Manager, an International Wastes Manager, a Chartered Environmentalist and a Fellow of IOM3 where she is actively involved in the Packaging Group. Margaret has travelled the world looking at waste issues and has advised governments, businesses and NGO on sustainable resource and waste management.

In May 2021, Paldeep joined the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN) as its Head of Research and Policy. Paldeep has over a decade of experience in the resource and waste management sector, including local government and now the private sector. His responsibilities include progressing the packaging reforms as well as delivering research projects that progress the science, sustainability, and value of packaging.

Gill leads our consulting offer, with over 25 years’ experience in the packaging industry, strategically developing packaging strategies, roadmaps, and packaging solutions to meet the needs of clients, consumers, and the planet. She has worked with many global retailers and household brands on projects spanning sustainability and innovation to supply chain optimization. With a real passion for sustainability, her quest is to educate, influence, and drive a circular economy wherever possible while complementing creativity, technical functionality, and commercial realities.

Emma is an independent print and packaging consultant with over 15 years’ experience stretching across the entire value chain with a global remit, with a demonstrated history of working in the retail industry. She has engineered improvements in ways of working, quality management, reducing waste and sustainability initiatives. Delivered training and presentations to suppliers, colleagues and the wider industry across the world. Emma is passionate about sustainability, enabling and supporting progress towards a circular economy, and has a BSC(Hons) in Print and Packaging Technology from University of Hertfordshire.

Starting as a Packaging Technologist/Engineer in the retailer Co-operative Wholesale Society (CO-OP) in Manchester, working in 100 manufacturing facilities on cans, glass, plastics, paper, and board, before moving into buying and marketing. He Went to Head up Packaging and Technical in the retailer in Iceland in 1984 and started the Iceland brand. Moved to the other side, selling packaging and putting in product launch systems into major brands and retailers selling services for Danone, Estee Lauder, Kraft, Safeway, Wal Mart, and Heinz, to name a few. This included running design, artwork, and pre-press companies. He was a Director for Storm Brands and Sun Branding Solutions, which included Parker Williams. Moved back to the retailer Iceland (1000 stores and sell in 42 countries) in 2013 to head packaging and processing as the Own Label Manager reporting into the Managing Director. In January 2018, it launched on TV as the first retailer to go plastic-free by 2023. Ian has used Digital Printing extensively and is known for his massive love for Packaging and Printing. After 6 epic years in Iceland, he is now semi-retired (trying to improve his golf handicap), running a consultancy, and enjoying non-exec board roles, providing various services from digital print , packaging development and sustainability. Ian is a Fellow of the Packaging Society as part of the Institute of Mining, Minerals, and Materials and now lectures at two universities to pass on his knowledge. Judging for Packaging News for 7 years.

Paul Vanston is Chief Executive of the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN). A particular current focus for INCPEN is working with all four UK governments to design and implement a set of packaging reforms that are cost-efficient and deliver environmental benefits. This includes Extended Producer Responsibility, Deposit Return Systems and ‘consistency’ of the range of packaging materials collected from all 27million UK households. Paul is a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts. Member of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management. Member of the Green Alliance. Founder supporter of the UK Plastics Pact. Member of the UK Government’s Resources & Waste Advisory Group.

Kevin Vyse has been working in the packaging industry for over 40 years, working with manufacturers, brands, and retailers. Over the last 10 years, he has been deeply involved in the shaping of the new plastics economy and UK packaging strategy. While working at Marks and Spencer, he was a member of the Plan A team, and from there, he continues to work closely with OPRL and INCPEN on EPR and Packaging Waste strategies. Having left M&S 4 years ago, he joined Rapid Action Packaging as Head of Technical and continues in that role following the acquisition by ProAmpac in 2021. He leads on the technical development of new materials and material solutions as well as being a member of the ProAmpac Sustainability Council. He is a Fellow of IMMM and a Member of the International Society 4 Circular Economy.