Flexible packaging is preparing for sustainability challenges with a clear vision: to be "minimalist by nature". This is the message that emerged from Giflex's press conference on 31st October, which previewed the contents of the Roman congress "Flexible packaging, minimalist by nature" scheduled for 6-7 November.
Towards a green paradigm
"The future of our sector hinges on the ability to combine performance with environmental responsibility", emphasised Alberto Palaveri, president of Giflex. With 422,000 tonnes produced annually and exports reaching 51%, the sector is confronting the European PPWR Regulation which requires a drastic reduction in materials placed on the market by 2030-2035.
The challenge is cultural before being technical: "We must move beyond the equation weight=impact and think in terms of CO2 actually emitted", explains Palaveri. Flexible packaging, in fact, represents just 3 kilograms out of the 500 kg of urban waste collected annually per person, demonstrating an intrinsic efficiency that needs better communication.
Competitive sustainability as strategy
Alessandra Fazio, president of the Italian Packaging Institute, illustrated the concept of "competitive sustainability": lightweight, recyclable and functional packaging that creates value for the entire supply chain. The projects of the Packaging Ethical Charter Foundation, from prisons to primary schools, demonstrate how education is crucial to overcoming negative consumer perception.
Innovation and green investments
The Roman congress will focus on themes such as artificial intelligence applied to sustainability, minimalist design and responsible creativity. "Public incentives are needed to accelerate the green transition", hopes Palaveri, emphasising how investments in sustainable technologies require support similar to that for renewable energy.
With predicted growth of 1-2% annually until 2028, the sector is focusing on circularity and minimalism to transform regulatory challenges into market opportunities.
