Packaging Awards revamped

2009 Environmental Packaging Awards are revamped to showcase how organizations are Closing the Loop

The Packaging Council has today announced the brand new categories and criteria for its 2009 Environmental Packaging Awards.

Paul Curtis, Executive Director said that the decision to revamp the bi-annual awards after a decade since they were first launched is consistent with the different perspective which we have on environmental performance today:

“Five years ago when we embarked on the Packaging Accord, the primary environmental objective for packaging was maximizing its recyclability. Today companies are looking much more at their consumption of resources and greenhouse gas emissions and all of the environmental impacts across the packaging lifecycle. So we are reflecting this in our 2009 “Closing the Loop” Awards programme.

“This year’s Awards coincide with the final year of the New Zealand Packaging Accord and we particularly want to showcase how industry is adapting to a resource constrained world by taking a complete supply chain approach to new product development. Packaging has become an integral component in minimizing a company’s overall environmental impact, enabling them to maximize transport efficiencies, minimize space and storage requirements and utilize new technologies which make packaging lighter, stronger and more resource efficient to produce.”

“Packaging plays a vital role in our modern society. New Zealand exports $3.5 billion fast moving consumer goods each year and almost half of all exports are food related so our economy relies heavily on packaging to get wine, meat and dairy products from New Zealand to overseas markets. Without the right sort of packaging, there would be huge wastage in terms of product damage and spoilage and a threat to our reputation.”

“We know from our members that many have really pushed the envelope in terms of their packaging and how they communicate with their customers and consumers. These awards will showcase the companies, organisations and individuals across the packaging life cycle. We will also be recognising the importance of education in minimising the environmental impact of packaging and to recognise the often unsung heroes in many organisations who have championed environmental initiatives and driven change”.

The Awards will be celebrated on the 4th September and organisations can enter on http://www.packaging.org.nz/awards

The 2009 Environmental Packaging Awards would not be possible without the support of our category sponsors and supporting sponsors.

ENDS

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