Packaging has number of important functions in our modern lifestyle. It plays a significant role in reducing food waste, managing hazardous goods and protecting life-saving medicine. Over 5 million tonnes of packaging is used in Australia annually. Only half was recycled after use; the remainder ends up in landfill, in our waterways, or scattered across our land.

Plastic packaging, in particular, is extremely wasteful and impacts earth’s ecosystems, on which we depend. Due to poor product design and lack of political, economic and scientific infrastructure, the majority of plastic waste is sent to landfills or disposed of into the environment.

Our natural environment isn’t the only casualty of poor packaging management and recovery. Building a new and sustainable system in Australia will bring powerful opportunities for community impact, job creation and economic growth.

Gaining an understanding of the issues surrounding packaging waste is the first step in mitigating it.

We have invited two Australian experts: Prof Pierre Pienaar, President of the World Packaging Organisation; and David Stout, Director of Policy for the National Retail Association, to talk about the current issues in packaging and sustainable packaging within Australia and around the world. This will be following with a vibrant panel discussion involving representatives from industry, government and end-users.

Click here to download the pdf flyer

KEY SPEAKERS INCLUDE: