Circular Economy Stage Content
Catch up on the full conference programme on demand below.
Watch any sessions you missed or revisit your favourites anytime.
Preparing for Change: The role of labelling for recycling in pEPR
Let’s discuss the importance of YOU, the consumer, in the success of pEPR and how important labelling for recycling will be. The consumer has an essential role to play in the success of pEPR. If the consumer does not engage with recycling lower volumes of material will be collected which will result in higher costs for producers. Brands have a direct relationship with their consumers and they understand the importance of clear communication, Jude and Katie will be looking at insights that highlight how the consumer engages with clear labelling for recycling.
Wednesday 12th February – 10:30 – 11:00 (30 minutes)
PackUK Launch: A pivotal moment for the UK's packaging industry
Join us in this celebratory session as we launch PackUK. Chair of the steering group, Sebastian Munden, will host a discussion with representatives from the four nation governments, who will share their perspectives on how this UK-first organisation will deliver a fairer and more sustainable packaging industry for all. Together, we will discuss our aspirations and ambitions for the pEPR scheme in the UK and share our hopes for its future.
Wednesday 12th February – 11:15 – 12:15 (60 minutes)
Local Authorities Leading the Shift: Implementing EPR in practice
Following the discussion with PackUK, panellists from the four nations will look further in depth to the logistics and application for the local authorities implementing the reforms under EPR and leading the shift to a more circular future. How do we best put in place action plans while remaining cost effective and efficient? To make tangible impact packagers, local authorities and the government must work in tandem – join us to gain a deeper understanding of what the impacts will be on not only your packaging, but the wider community.
Wednesday 12th February – 12:45 – 13:30 (45 minutes)
Future Trailblazers Programme The winner is…
The Programme Shining a Spotlight On Talented Individuals Contributing to the Progress and Future of the Packaging Industry, and Beyond. The inaugural ceremony: Meet the Trailblazers of 2025!
Wednesday 12th February – 13:45 – 14:30 (45 minutes)
From Regulation to Innovation: Driving Circular Packaging Compliance with PPWR
Achieving circular packaging in compliance with PPWR demands innovation and collaboration. This session will explore how stakeholders can work together to drive a circular economy, highlighting key regulations, sustainable solutions, and technologies that enhance packaging recyclability. Attendees will gain insights into navigating the regulatory landscape and implementing impactful strategies for a more sustainable future.
Thursday 13th February – 10:30 – 11:00 (30 minutes)
PackUK The role of the value chain in delivering pEPR
In part two of PackUK exclusive launch at Packaging Innovations, join our very special guest – Minister for Nature, Mary Creagh – as she chairs a panel of key value chain voices, who will discuss their aspirations for pEPR and how collaboration between PackUK and its stakeholders is key to delivering a fair and efficient scheme. Hear perspectives from speakers representing a variety of different organisations such as Local Government, membership bodies, compliance schemes and packaging manufacturers, and learn how we can make material change together.
Are We Truly Ready for Reusable Packaging? Learning from UKs leading retailers
UK retailers and brands are at a pivotal moment in redefining shopping experiences through refill and reuse models. Featuring live trials from pioneering retailers, sharing their successes, challenges, and the key lessons learned along the way, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how refill and reuse initiatives can be scaled effectively and what foundational steps are needed to establish lasting infrastructure. Crucially, we’ll explore how to make refill and reuse solutions truly convenient and accessible for consumers, ensuring that these sustainable choices become a natural part of everyday shopping.
Thursday 13th February – 12:45 – 13:30 (45 minutes)
Industry Insights: The necessary evolution of sustainable packaging in the beauty industry
The beauty industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by consumer demand for sustainability and environmental responsibility. This shift is particularly evident in packaging, where brands are making significant strides to minimise their environmental impact. Hear from the best and brightest in the beauty sector as they discuss new packaging materials, refillable and reusable packaging, upcycling and more. What innovations can this industry put in place to ensure customers join them in their ongoing sustainable journey.
Thursday 13th February – 14:00 – 14:45 (45 minutes)
The Big Debate: Will reuse and refill overtake single use packaging within 10 years?
Advocates for reuse and refill predict a world where both will be the only option for consumers purchasing groceries and other items. Surveys reveal the majority of the public want refill and reuse yet the many tests undertaken by supermarkets have been at best inconclusive and at worst failures. The last 10 years has witnessed a huge increase in debate on the subject and there are many packaging experts who feel reuse and refill are inevitable. Will reuse and refill overtake single use as some advocates predict? Do today’s consumers perceive reuse and refill as inconvenient when ti comes to buying this way in practice or are other forces at play. Indeed is it a choice of exclusively one or the other or can we envisage a world where both solutions work together? With the development of new technology will shoppers by the middle of the next decade be buying in the same way they do now. The latest in The Big Debate series will pitch two opposing teams of industry experts to discuss these questions.
Wednesday 12th February – 16:00 – 17:00 (60 minutes)
