The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation has today released the June schedule for its highly successful Weekly Community Webinar series. Launched in March, the webinars are designed to bring together professionals across the business, government and environmental communities and help the sustainable packaging community stay connected during lockdown.
To date the sessions have been attended by more than 1800 professionals to discuss topics ranging from sustainable packaging design and green communications, through to compostable packaging best practice and the importance of a packaging sustainability strategy and action plan.
Brooke Donnelly, CEO, APCO commented: “Lockdown is presenting some serious challenges for many businesses. But despite these issues, progress is still happening – and the willingness of thousands of industry professionals to come together every week and collaborate and learn is a powerful demonstration of that. It has been so rewarding to be joined by hundreds of professionals every week who are equally as engaged and passionate about this space. We look forward to seeing even more of you in June and July”.
Webinar schedules will be released monthly on the APCO website: www.packagingcovenant.org.au/events. The schedule of webinars for June, including links to register, is available below:
3 June: World Environment Day special: Building a career in sustainability.
This week is World Environment Day (5 June), the United Nations day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment. To celebrate we are discussing what it takes to build a career in sustainability and how to deliver impactful sustainability initiatives and action. We will be joined by three highly respected professionals: Andrew Petersen, Chief Executive Officer, Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia, APCO’s 2019 Sustainability Champion Award winner Diarmaid O’Mordha, Sustainability Manager from Endeavour Drinks Group, and Fiona Baxter Packaging Development manager from Simplot.
Topics for discussion include what is needed to create an impactful and successful sustainability initiative, learnings from circular economy and sustainability programs our speakers have delivered throughout their careers, and advice for anyone wanting to promote and champion sustainability in their organisation or community.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/world-environment-day-sustainability-professionals-tickets-105896966678
10 June: Topic Deep Dive: Soft plastics
This week we are discussing one of the biggest challenges – and opportunities – for our recycling system: getting Australia’s approach to soft plastics right.
Topics for discussion include practical actions brands can take around soft plastics, challenges and opportunities for meeting the 2025 National Packaging Targets, the critical role of closing the loop by buying back the end product, and the vision for soft plastics recycling in Australia.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/soft-plastics-the-challenges-and-opportunities-tickets-106584535214
17 June: Science Based Targets
As companies worldwide strive to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in line with commitments made under the 2015 Paris agreement, Science Based Targets (SBTs) are emerging as an effective benchmark by which to plan and review progress towards a low-carbon business model.
A growing number of APCO members have made public commitments to SBTs, establishing a whole-of-business agenda for delivering emissions reductions.
This week we are pleased to bring you some of the leading practitioners of SBTs, including Jonas Bengtsson, CEO of Edge Environment.
Topics for discussion include challenges and opportunities for packaging to reduce the carbon footprint of a business, and how businesses can use SBTs in partnership with other APCO tools and resources. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/setting-science-based-targets-tickets-106584753868
24 June: Launching APCO’s FY21 Priority Projects
This week we are delighted to unveil APCO’s new Priority Projects schedule. In 2021 FY APCO will facilitate 23 new projects which were developed to drive targeted and tangible progress on Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Targets. The program was developed in consultation with, and will be overseen by, APCO’s 2020 Working Groups – a community of more than 160 participants, representing the entire packaging supply chain.
Topics for discussion include an overview of this year’s priority projects, and how each project connects to Our Packaging Future – the strategic framework for how Australia will deliver the 2025 Targets. The session will also cover insights for how organisations can contribute to and participate in this work.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/106596141930
If you’re interested in catching up on the webinars delivered to date, all sessions are recorded and available online: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcqxoaHPVwZeZoug-0RdYAg
The National Retail Association is a member of APCO and is extensively involved in sustainability initiatives, including lightweight plastic bags and other single-use plastics bans across all jurisdictions. We represent retailer perspectives and ultimately encourage national consistency to prevent negative impacts and confusion.
Retailers seeking more information, clarification or personalised advice on how to successfully manage sustainability initiatives should contact the NRA Policy team at policy@nra.net.au
.