Agenda

At the Environmental Packaging Summit 2025, we’re addressing the most pressing issues in sustainable packaging. This year’s line-up dives into legislative updates, data-driven compliance and practical strategies from industry leaders to meet sustainability goals. Explore the topics that will shape the future of packaging below.

Tuesday, 24 June 2025

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Packaging News Welcome
Speaker
Editor
Packaging News
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Opening Keynote
Speaker
Head of the UK pEPR Scheme Administrator
DEFRA
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The Governments’ Circular Economy Ambitions

Hear from government representatives about their goals and ambitions and what those mean for the packaging, recycling and waste sectors

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Exclusive Industry Research Briefing: GoUnpackaged's UK Reuse Infrastructure Modelling Results

The panel will give a first look at the results from GoUnpackaged’s modelling work looking at the reuse infrastructure required (packaging, collection, washing, logistics) for reuse to work at scale for the UK grocery market

  • An overview of the project & key value chain stakeholders supporting the work
  • How the model works & key assumptions made
  • Optimum categories to switch to reuse
  • The best scenarios for reuse to work and why
  • System impacts across key metrics - costs, emissions & waste reduction
  • Early stage transition planning - how might we get to the scaled reuse scenarios outlined, what is needed from government, industry & consumers

Moderated by: Catherine Conway

Speaker
Director & Reuse Lead
GoUnpackaged
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Session TBC - reserved for sponsor
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Refreshment Break
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Lightning Talks: Building Sustainability Capability

3 global brands will each share a key sustainable packaging initiative or achievement.

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Lightning Talks Q&A
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Panel: Prioritising the Implementation of Circular Economy Principles

Exploring packaging design with the entire lifecycle at its core, focusing on recyclability, reuse, and the use of recycled materials to minimise waste and resource consumption.

  • Overcoming challenges in aligning product functionality with circular design principles
  • Strategies for improving the collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructure to enhance material recovery
  • Identifying gaps between current policies and the needs of businesses for adopting circular principles
  • Addressing potential barriers for consumers, such as convenience and accessibility
  • The importance of cross-industry partnerships to share best practices and scale circular packaging solutions
  • Role of startups and innovators in driving new approaches to sustainable packaging


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Panel: Encouraging the Continued Integration of Recycled Content

A look at the infrastructure, collections and local authority targets on recycling as well as addressing the limitations.

  • Exploring the use of Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials
  • A quick overview of the legislation and compliance requirements
  • Advancements in recycling technologies – looking into chemical recycling and improved sorting and processing techniques
  • Understanding the challenges associated with food-grade recycled content

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Networking Lunch
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Debate: The Foodservice Packaging Sector: Marrying Cost Pressures with Sustainability Demands

A debate on the various pressures and sustainability challenges in the Food service packaging sector.

Speaker
Executive Director
Food Service and Packaging Association
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Panel: A Materials Perspective: Strategies for Minimising Financial Impacts Under EPR Regulations

Businesses are aligning with government regulations and industry initiatives aimed at reducing packaging waste and promoting sustainability.

  • Understanding the concerns various materials suppliers have re EPR and its impacts
  • Balancing regulatory compliance with evolving consumer demand for sustainable packaging
  • Exploring government-industry partnerships to drive innovation and meet recycling targets
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Roundtable Sessions

Addressing Packaging Challenges in the Sustainability Space

  1. Financial Challenges
  2. Data & Measurement
  3. Technical & Operational
  4. Supply Chain
  5. Market & Commercial
  6. Regulatory Compliance
  7. Organisational
  8. Innovation & Development
  9. Communication & Claims
  10. Strategic Challenges
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Roundtable Roundup

Each roundtable will have 1 minute to provide some quick-fire feedback from their discussion.

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Day Close

Wednesday, 25 June 2025


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Day 2 Welcome and Day 1 Summary

Day 2 Welcome & Day 1 Summary

Speaker
Editor
Packaging News
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Panel: EPA Winners
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Packaging Performance Citizens Can Rely On
Speaker
Chief Executive Officer
INCPEN
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Presentation: Navigating Supply Chain Complexity
Speaker
Company Director
Benchmark Consulting
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Panel: Navigating Supply Chain Complexity

Implementing sustainable packaging solutions necessitates coordination across the supply chain, which can be complex and time-consuming.

  • Taking verifiable steps to cut your carbon footprint – Scope 3
  • Driving efficiencies and avoiding minimising disruptions
  • Futureproofing and packaging strategy the importance of adaptation
  • How couriers are moving towards sustainability and reforming practices towards net zero
  • Addressal of issues which supply chains face internationally
  • What role the packaging manufacturers and packaging designers can play in helping to solve the problems as it is ultimately their product which the courier will have to move

Moderated by: Phil Chadwick

Speakers
Packaging Journalist, Editor and Copywriter
Marketing Manager
Castle Industrial
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Refreshment Break
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Panel: Influencing Consumer Behaviour and Minimising Confusion

Encouraging consumers to adopt sustainable practices, such as using reusable packaging, remains a significant hurdle due to ingrained habits and convenience preferences. Often, inconsistent recycling guidelines and unclear labelling lead to improper disposal, contaminating recycling streams and reducing overall recycling efficiency. Now, brands are enhancing transparency by providing clear information on packaging recyclability and environmental impact, helping consumers make informed choices.

Led by: Jude Allan

Speaker
Managing Director
OPRL
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Lightning Talks: Balancing Environmental Trade-offs

3 packaging specialists from supermarkets share their solutions and challenges in this space.

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Lightning Talks Q&A
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Lunch
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Panel: Packaging Innovation
  • Investigating packaging trends including – Bioplastics, lightweight packaging and compostable materials
  • Material Performance - Ensuring that sustainable packaging materials meet the same performance standards as traditional materials, such as durability and shelf life
  • Overcoming technological barriers - Assessing the economic viability of developing packaging that is both functional and environmentally friendly
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Fireside chat: DEFRA
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Industry Leaders’ Panel: What’s Next? Anticipating Future Trends

Packaging leaders address the audience on trends, challenges, and opportunities.

  • Addressing concerns around high costs and economic feasibility surrounding sustainable packaging
  • Encouraging increased investment to scale up innovation
  • Creating consistent recycling policies across different regions
  • Peering around the corner… What do we have to look forward to in the next 12 months?

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Close & Refreshment Break