Active and Intelligent Packaging Industry Association (AIPIA) and the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further their collaboration in sharing ideas on smart packaging and the science that underpins it.
This will include WPO supporting AIPIA on the technology of material science, which is particularly important in active packaging. In turn, AIPIA will support WPO’s agenda of encouraging sustainable and appropriate packaging innovation.
The two organisations have already been cooperating at various events, including ProPak and CPHi exhibitions in Asia, Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and South Asia.
They will endeavour to develop joint agendas wherever possible to further the creation of smart packaging solutions, which meet the goals of the global industry and particular market needs.
Professor Pierre Pienaar, WPO’s president, welcomed the agreement and signing of the MOU, saying both organisations have been aware for some time that both share common goals and objectives, and it is a logical next step to formalise these in a constructive and practical way.
“The two of us have a clear focus on our responsibility to the sector and the way packaging can be a solution, not a problem – as it is so often characterised today,” he said.
“Packaging for good is high on our agendas and we see this collaboration as a way to demonstrate these benefits in a very impactful way.”
According to Andrew Manly, communications director at AIPIA, WPO is the major global packaging organisation and has a strong profile in both the developed and developing world.
“It is a tremendous boost to the smart packaging sector to be able to join with WPO in promoting these technologies and helping to reinforce the Organisation’s agenda on sustainability, innovation and supply chain efficiency,” Manly said.
“We are particularly delighted to be able to tap into so many talented people, in particular, Pierre’s tremendous knowledge of materials science.”
One outcome of the MOU being discussed is the development of a defined WorldStar Award that involves smart packaging.
“These awards are the benchmark for global packaging innovation and are recognised as the Oscars of packaging,” Manly added.
“While some elements of smart packaging are included already in the various categories, we now see innovations appearing everywhere – in APAC, MENA, China, South America, as well as the more traditional markets of the Americas, Japan and Europe.
“So the time is right for a more formalised WorldStar Award, we believe.”
Pienaar concluded, “This agreement adds strength and knowledge to both organisations, and the WPO looks forward to working with AIPIA and spreading the good word about packaging and its benefits across the globe”.
