The 2024 edition of drupa, the world's premier printing equipment trade fair, recently came to a close in Düsseldorf, Germany. Amidst the bustling activity and thousands of exhibitors, sustainable packaging solutions emerged as a key focus area for many attendees. One notable presence in this space was Foopak, the flagship innovation brand by APP Group. From 28 May to 7 June, Foopak’s extensive line of award-winning plastic-free packaging, Foopak Bio Natura, was on display to provide more sustainable packaging options in the market.
Throughout the 11-day event, the Foopak stand in Hall 4 had been a hub of activity, as industry professionals, sustainability advocates, and curious attendees gathered to discover the company's innovative sustainable packaging solutions. Kin Keung Christopher Wong, the SVP & Global BU Head of Industrial White at APP Group, beamed with pride as he recounted the overwhelming response, saying, “We returned to drupa with a mission to showcase our commitment to a greener future, and the response has been truly humbling. Our diverse range of sustainable, home-compostable, and eco-friendly products have captured the attention of businesses and consumers alike, reinforcing our position as a trusted partner in the packaging industry.”
The star attractions at the Foopak stand were the company's best offerings for compostable food and beverage packaging. This included Foopak Anchor Plus for shrimp and crustacean packaging; Foopak Magna Board for plates, trays, and takeaway boxes; Sinar Terra Bio, designed to meet the demand for natural-looking food and beverage packaging; Foopak Natura Gloss, which boasts better printing results, and other diverse variants from the Foopak range to meet all market demands.
Danilo Benvenuti, the Europe Regional Director of APP Italy, expressed his excitement about the company's growing presence in the European market, saying, "drupa has been an excellent platform for us to strengthen existing partnerships and explore new business opportunities. We're thrilled to have connected with so many industry players who share our vision for a sustainable future."
The push for sustainable packaging has reached a critical juncture. Globally, the largest market usage of plastic is for packaging, resulting in almost half of the plastic waste produced. Shockingly, only 2% of plastic packaging materials are recycled as packaging materials globally, while the remaining are either incinerated or end up in landfills, water bodies, and the environment. However, amidst this alarming scenario, there is hope. According to the Institute for Business Value, 57% of consumers are willing to change their purchasing habits to help reduce negative environmental impact. Research suggests that using plastic substitutes could reduce global plastic waste by approximately 17% by 2040, equating to around 63 million tonnes less. This potential reduction highlights the significant impact that sustainable packaging solutions can have on the environment.
Moreover, packaging plays an essential role during transportation and storage, preventing contamination and preserving the product’s freshness. Sustainable packaging options are not just a preference but a necessity for a greener, healthier, and safer future.
With the curtain falling on drupa 2024, the sustainability journey for Foopak continues, paving the way for a future where sustainability and consumer safety go hand-in-hand, transforming the way the world views and interacts with packaging.