PPC Highlights (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14)
sion was a call to action for the industry to invest in their people to remain competitive. Key sessions on global and U.S. regulations provided insight into the evolving legislative landscape affecting packaging. Mike Turner, Managing Director of the Europe- an Carton Makers Association, delivered a comprehensive overview of European regulations, highlighting the EU’s ambitious goal for carbon neutrality by 2050. He stressed the need for the industry to design packaging for recy- clability and to engage with policymakers to dispel mis- conceptions about fiber sourcing. Abigail Sztein of the American Forest & Paper Asso- ciation (AF&PA) echoed Turner’s call for advocacy, focus- ing on U.S. regulations. She discussed Extended Produc- er Responsibility (EPR) laws and their potential impact on businesses, urging industry leaders to stay informed and collaborate on a circular value chain for sustainable pack- aging. Economist Jeff Rosensweig shared an optimistic eco- nomic forecast for the U.S. and global markets, noting that despite inflationary pressures, job creation and wage growth continue to signal resilience. He highlighted shift- ing supply chains and growing labor force participation as key trends shaping the future of packaging demand. In a timely and engaging presentation, Dan Ahern, VP of Global Innovation and Design at Graphic Packaging International and Pat Shields, Design Director Americas, CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
highlighted the industry’s need to attract and retain skilled talent, especially in technical roles. The panel discussed creative solutions such as PPC’s forthcoming educational platform, PPCU, and partnerships with local educational institutions to draw new talent into the industry.
The importance of employee engagement, training, and mentorship was underscored throughout, with panel- ists advocating for customized workforce training and de- velopment programs to meet evolving needs. The discus- Steve Scherger, left, leads the State of the Industry panel, fea- turing Hilda Murray, PPC’s Vice Chair and Owner of TPC Print- ing & Packaging, and Matt Sonderen, right, Principal of Son- deren Packaging. The panel also featured Laura Parlegreco, VP of Operations of Astro Box Corp., and Galen Killam, General Manager of Great Northern Corp.
16
www.boardconvertingnews.com
October 21, 2024
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker