The UK’s hottest topic - plastics in packaging, is set to take centre stage at Packaging Innovations, Luxury Packaging and ADF London 2018, when it returns to Olympia London later this month (12 & 13 September).

New for 2018, the show will host the UK’s first ever plastic-free aisle, which visitors will be able to explore throughout the exclusive two-day event. The initiative has been developed in partnership with A Plastic Planet, who also helped Dutch supermarket Ekoplaza deliver the same concept in Amsterdam earlier this year, capturing the attention of the world’s media.

As Britain’s first plastic-free aisle, the display will showcase some of the very latest and most cutting-edge plastic-free packaging solutions. Plus, A Plastic Planet will also be introducing the ‘Plastic Free Consumer Trust Mark’; the new front of pack symbol that indicates to consumers that packaging is plastic free.

James Drake-Brockman, Divisional Director of Easyfairs’ Packaging Portfolio, comments: “We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of all the issues and challenges currently facing the packaging industry, and we are extremely excited to debut the UK’s first plastic-free aisle. The topic of sustainability is more prolific than ever, with the packaging industry increasingly under pressure to address the issue of plastics in packaging. Our role as an event is to provide packaging buyers with the information they need to make a well-informed decision that is right for their business. Part of that is showcasing what innovative alternatives to plastic are out there, which we are able to do through our partnership with A Plastic Planet.”

Also addressing the sustainability agenda, will be the launch of The Big Plastics Debate 2.0, which brings experts from the entire packaging supply chain together to tackle the issue of plastic waste in packaging. Run in association with The Foodservice Packaging Association and On Pack Recycling Label (OPRL), the debate unites some of the biggest players in the industry.

Lord Deben MP, Chairman of the UK’s Independent Committee on Climate Change, has officially been announced as The Big Plastics Debate keynote speaker on 12th September. Lord Deben, who was the UK’s longest serving Secretary of State for the Environment, has consistently championed an identity between environmental concerns and business sense and will explore this topic with his talk.

There will be a discussion around how the Government is addressing the plastic waste issue and the likely implications that this will have for the packaging industry, featuring Phillip Chadwick, Editor at Packaging News and Martin Kersh, Executive Director at Foodservice Packaging Association. Coca-Cola, Sainsburys, and Church & Dwight will then take to the stage to examine the way that brands and retailers can be more responsible when it comes to the use of plastic.

On 13th September there will be a Dragons’ Den style session that will see a diverse selection of plastic alternatives battling it out - including seaweed, pulp, paper, metal, bio-degradable and compostable solutions. The judges will include Sian Sutherland, Co-Founder of A Plastic Planet; Peter Maddox, Director at WRAP; Richard McKinlay, Head of Circular Economy at Axion; David Newman, Managing Director of BBIA; Ian Bates, Co-Founder of Reelbrands and Dick Searle, CEO of The Packaging Federation.

The Big Plastics Debate 2.0 will conclude with an interactive panel discussion, addressing the challenges around waste management. Experts from OPRL, Prismm Environmental, WRAP and Veolia will offer advice on ‘closing the loop’, as they consider solutions to ensure consumers recycle more.

Commenting on the new introductions, James Drake-Brockman, Divisional Director of Easyfairs’ Packaging Portfolio, said: “The show promises to have plenty on offer for packaging professionals looking for the latest advice and thought-leadership on how to balance the sustainability agenda with packaging that looks great and is cost effective. In addition to the packed conference programme, visitors should also look out for the plastic-alternatives on the showfloor, with many of our exhibitors set to launch new sustainable innovations during the course of the show.”

For further information about The Big Plastics Debate or the show, please visit the Packaging Innovation or Luxury Packaging London websites or contact the show team on +44 (0)20 8843 8800 or [email protected].