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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PackUK - 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

Speakers
Director & Reuse Lead
GoUnpackaged
Director & Analytics Lead
GoUnpackaged
Senior Sustainability Manager
Ocado Retail
Head of Packaging
Tesco
Senior Reuse Specialist
WRAP
SSPP Innovation Lead
Innovate UK
Senior Policy Adviser
WWF
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How Can Accurate Packaging Data Shape Your Packaging Journey?

In an era of accelerating packaging legislation and increasing stringency, managing compliance, and crafting effective strategies across multiple territories can be a daunting task. The key to success? 100% Accurate Data. We will explore how accurate, live, packaging data can help you to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, drive sustainable practices and achieve your goals.

Key Takeaways:

  • Setting a Strong Foundation – Learn how detailed packaging specifications can shape your strategy
  • Sustainability Strategies – Explore key metrics like recyclability, recycled content, and carbon analysis
  • Compliance Across Borders – Understand regional regulations to ensure multinational compliance
  • Risk Mitigation – Learn proactive steps to avoid non-compliance penalties
  • Measuring Progress – Use data-driven tools to track and optimize sustainability efforts
  • Powerful Packaging Partnerships – Hear from some of our strategic partners such as Walmart, Ahold, Carbon Quota, H2R and TRP who benefit from live, accurate packaging data leveraging cutting-edge technology to scale and drive efficiencies
Speaker
Consulting Director
Aura
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Refreshment Break
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Lightning Talks: Building Sustainability Capability

Global brands and retailers will each share a key sustainable packaging initiative or achievement.

Talk 1: Using Recycled Plastic in Cadbury Dairy Milk Flexible Packaging

Joanna Dias & Richard Akkermans


Speakers
UK Sustainability Lead
Mondelez
European R&D Packaging Sustainability Manager
Mondelez
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Lightning Talks Q&A
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Panel: Bridging the Intention Action Gap for Citizen Action

Moderated by: Rachel Gray

Speaker
Lead Specialist - Material Behaviour Change
WRAP
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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

Moderated by: Stuart Foster

Speaker
Chief Executive Officer
RECOUP
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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 Packaging Association (FPA)
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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

Moderated by: George Atkinson

Speakers
Head of Policy
Valpak
Director and Chief Executive
Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association
Director
British Glass
Head of External Affairs
ACE UK
Sustainability & Public Affairs Manager
Alupro
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Roundtable Sessions & Refreshments

Interactive roundtables to enable deep dives into critical issues addressing packaging challenges in the sustainability space. Delegates can grab a refreshment then and choose 1 roundtable to join.

  1. Financial Challenges.
  2. Data & Measurement. Hosted by Tim Barbary
  3. Technical & Operational.
  4. Supply Chain.
  5. Market & Commercial.
  6. Regulatory Compliance. Hosted by George Atkinson
  7. Organisational.
  8. Innovation & Development. Hosted by Sheffield Hallam University
  9. Communication & Claims. Hosted by Jude Allen
  10. Strategic Challenges. Hosted by Gillian Garside-Wight
Speakers
Company Director
Benchmark Consulting
Head of Policy
Valpak
Managing Director
OPRL
Consulting Director
Aura
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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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The Environmental and Economic Imperative for Packaging
  • Why self-regulation does not work
  • Can we ignore granular decarbonisation data measurement
  • The importance of accuracy and transparency in reporting
  • A system and process solution enabling key metrics of – costs & emissions
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
Company Director
Benchmark Consulting
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Refreshment Break
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Circularity in PET Food Packaging – Beyond the Bottle
  • What is circularity
  • How can we drive circularity
  • PET as an example of packaging circularity in action
Speaker
CSR, Sustainability & External Affairs
Faerch
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Decarbonising Packaging in Food systems: A roadmap to 2050

With net zero targets, the entire food system is under pressure to come up with safe and innovative solutions to provide low carbon packaging while complying with regulation and customer needs. Minimising waste and ensuring customer-friendly packaging are key in driving solutions. This session explores what food manufacturers and retailers are doing to decarbonise while taking a customer-centric view.

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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.

Moderated by: Jude Allan

Speakers
Managing Director
OPRL
Director of Technical and Member Services
OPRL
Head of Environmental
Vegware
Senior Packaging Technologist
Itsu Grocery
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Lightning Talks: Balancing Environmental Trade-offs

Stakeholders from retailers and brands 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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Innovative Packaging Design: Achieving Sustainability Goals

Lorraine's presentation will explore the world of packaging design and materials, using a real-world case study to demonstrate how companies can reduce packaging costs while meeting sustainability goals. This session will provide valuable insights into practical strategies and approaches that can be implemented to optimise packaging, minimise waste, and achieve sustainable principles, all without compromising on cost-effectiveness.

Speaker
Packaging Consultant
Valpak
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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?

Speaker
Group CEO
Zeus
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Close & Refreshment Break