One of the key topics under discussion was the re-election of Johannes Bergmair as general secretary and Pierre Pienaar as president, commencing in January 2021.
Following his re-election, Pierre assured board members that he’ll carry on flying the WPO flag around the globe, ensuring that the message ‘packaging is not the problem, but part of the solution’ is transmitted.
Five new members were also accepted: Packaging Cluster (Georgia), Mongolian United Packaging Association (Mongolia), Packaging Department of Federation Marocaine de Plasturgie (Morocco), International Association of Packaging Research Institutes (global), and Polish Chamber of Packaging (Poland).
WPO and WDO team up for sustainability
THE World Packaging Organisation (WPO) and World Design Organisation (WDO) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to leverage their joint commitment towards sustainability, education, organising and implementing collaborative projects.
The partnership will focus primarily on training initiatives for designers in packaging design and technology, as well as explore new areas for industry optimisation.
‘Design is one of the key pillars in developing successful, sustainable and acceptable packaging,’ says WPO president, Pierre Pienaar.
Increased consumer dialogue and public awareness have highlighted the importance of sustainable packaging, from production to distribution and end-of-life.
‘Designs of the future must follow circular economy principles and always strive to reduce the demand on our global natural resources,’ he explains.
WDO and WPO hope this partnership will enable new understandings and advancements of the materials that house and protect everyday personal, food and commercial products. ‘This partnership also represents a significant shift in design focus as we develop it to maintain acceptable packaging practices,’ concludes Pierre.
