European Forum Alpbach 2024: Constantia Flexibles leads the dialogue on sustainability in packaging
Constantia Flexibles returned to the European Forum Alpbach this year, following a successful debut in 2023. The company took a leading role in shaping the conversation on sustainability and packaging, hosting an insightful content session titled “Unpacking the Role of Packaging & Circularity Towards a Climate Neutral Europe” on the afternoon of August 26, 2024.
The session featured a lineup of industry leaders and policymakers, including:
- Dominika Maruszak-Dankbaar, PepsiCo
- Alexander Reitz, PreZero International
- Lukas Mandl, Member of the European Parliament
- Marc Rademacher, Constantia Flexibles
Marc Rademacher, Executive Vice President Consumer Commercial of Constantia Flexibles, kicked off the discussion by emphasizing the critical importance of mono-materials in the current packaging landscape. He explained how these materials are essential for achieving sustainability goals, particularly in improving recyclability and reducing the environmental footprint of packaging. Rademacher highlighted, “Mono-materials are pivotal in our journey towards a more circular economy, and at Constantia Flexibles, we are deeply committed to driving innovation in this area.”
Following Rademacher’s introduction, the panelists engaged in a dynamic discussion on the challenges and opportunities in packaging and circularity. Dominika Maruszak-Dankbaar from PepsiCo shared insights on the company’s strategies for reducing packaging waste and incorporating more sustainable materials into their supply chain. Alexander Reitz of PreZero International elaborated on the role of waste management and recycling infrastructure in supporting circularity, emphasizing the need for collaboration across industries and borders. He also discussed the varying qualities of recyclate and how this affects the circular economy.
Lukas Mandl, Member of the European Parliament, provided a policy perspective, discussing the European Union’s ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions and the critical role of packaging innovation in achieving a climate-neutral Europe. He underscored the importance of aligning industry practices with regulatory frameworks to ensure progress towards these goals.
The session concluded with the panelists’ agreement that achieving a climate-neutral Europe requires a multifaceted approach, combining innovative materials, robust recycling systems, and supportive policies. The discussion pointed out the shared responsibility of businesses, governments, and consumers in driving this transition.
Constantia Flexibles’ participation in the European Forum Alpbach once again highlighted its leadership in the sustainable packaging sector. The company remains committed to advancing the conversation on circularity and is dedicated to developing solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.
Caption: Forum Alpbach: Dialogue on sustainability in the packaging industry. From left to right: Marc Rademacher (Constantia Flexibles), Alexander Reitz (PreZero International), moderated by Elisabeth Skoda (Packaging Europe), Dominika Maruszak-Dankbaar (PepsiCo), Lukas Mandl (Member of the European Parliament)
