This significant annual sustainability in packaging conference brings together key industry players from across the value chain for a series of interactive working groups and conference sessions.

Over the course of three days we'll take a deep dive into how companies are tackling plastics pollution and meeting targets. We will look at a range of plastic innovations and technologies which are working towards plastic reductions. The forum will focus on practical and realistic solutions that are sustainable, innovative and scalable. The objective of the conference is to drive progress that works for consumers, the environment, utility and business reality.

It is well known that plastics use - and therefore impact - has increased during the ongoing pandemic. Companies can easily be blamed. Although the true picture is highly complex, businesses are under increasing pressure from all sides to go further and faster to reduce their plastics footprint. To start the conference we will have experts cover the key drivers for change. We will focus on: Consumer insights, NGO perspectives, Policy pressures and Human health impacts.

Speakers

Aline Casagrande

Anheuser-Busch InBev

Circular Packaging Global Director

Marika Lindstrom

Unilever

Vice President, Procurement - Packaging and Beauty & Personal Care

Ashley Hall

Walmart

Director of Sustainable Packaging

Krzysztof Krajewski

Reckitt

Packaging Sustainability Director

Emma Beard

Mondelēz International

Senior Director Sustainable Packaging & ESG Reporting

Stuart Lendrum

Iceland

Head of Packaging

Hans van Bochove

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

Vice-President, Public Affairs Europe

Dr Will Connolly

The Body Shop

Head of Packaging Innovation & Sustainability

View all speakers

Agenda highlights

Renewed drivers: What does current public pressure mean for sustainable plastics? The latest health research and insights into consumer opinion and NGO perspectives
Plastics targets: How leading brands are planning to reach ambitious targets and commitments
Circularity at scale: What is needed to bring scale to current programs and circular innovation
Chemical recycling: Where are we with acceptability and scalability?
Next generation non-fossil materials: A look into the outlook and impact of biomaterials at scale
Supplier partnerships: Engaging suppliers in solutions, circularity and sustainable plastics

Sustainable packaging choices: How to navigate packaging dilemmas and assess the full impact of alternative materials
The value in waste: What is needed to create a credible market for recycled plastics that is scalable, affordable and sustainable?
A (sustainable) plastic culture: How to incentivise sustainable choices on plastics and packaging across internal departments
Collaboration in action: Overcoming the barriers to successful reuse and takeback programmes
Recycling infrastructure: How business can boost recycling infrastructure to enable circular systems and a closed loop on plastics

View full agenda

Why attend?

Discover best practices from industry leaders and get in-depth guidance on how to effectively implement policies

Meet & network with an influential audience of key stakeholders, including NGOs, business, government and supply chain actors

Benchmark company performance amongst a room of your peers and discover where you should be focusing efforts

Making connections at the Future of Plastics

How can attendees network virtually?

Speed networking

No need to hang around the coffee cart to begin making connections - join our virtual speed networking for a series of quick-fire 1:1 meetings. Often the highlight of our virtual events, you will have the opportunity to meet a range of attendees within a short amount of time. Then, follow up with new connections and schedule longer, private meetings to continue the discussion.

Group networking

During group networking sessions, attendees are placed in small groups for more relaxed, informal networking. Groups are rotated so you have the chance to meet a variety of people and leave with fresh connections and potential partners.

Schedule meetings

Often at our online events, discussions begin in the chat boxes during sessions and continue behind closed doors for more in-depth conversation between interested parties. Our platform enables you to reach out to other attendees and arrange 1:1 and group meetings. Maximise your impact at the event, and effectively manage your day.

Working groups

During working group sessions all attendees join intimate, face-to-face calls to enable a genuine dialogue and ensure engagement. These sessions are a great opportunity to connect with other attendees who share a common interest and kick-start the conversation.

"...the team did a fantastic job and I was blown away by how engaging and effective the virtual format was...the virtual speed networking was wildly effective and should be used at all events moving forward. Virtual or in person."

Than Baardson / CEO/ Unseen

"The Innovation Forum team practiced what they preached and innovated to create a really excellent virtual event. The diversity of sessions both in terms of content and technical style kept the audience engaged so that there was real user experience of attending a conference. Upsides such as the "speed networking" should remain part of the conference formula if /when we all meet face to face"

James Streeter / Founder and Director / Viridian Advisory

"The conference was very valuable use of my time; increasing my network, reminding me of some key areas of focus to consider and learning from others."

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"It’s hard to imagine a virtual conference running more smoothly or effectively – congratulations to the entire Innovation Forum team."

Kevin O’Donnell / Global Director, Sourcing & Operations Sustainability / General Mills

"I very much enjoyed the virtual conference - from plenary sessions to working groups. There was a great variety of topics and such knowledgeable industry speakers."

Jeffrey Engels / Director, Livelihoods & Economic Opportunities / Pact Inc.

What’s different about this forum?

Innovation Forum is:

Candid: Entirely off-the-record discussion that enables open and honest disclosure from speakers and genuine participation from the audience.
Practical: A clear focus on the practical and actionable guidance that can drive change throughout industries and supply chains.
Focused: We provide enough time, resources and expertise to the issues that really matter. We don’t skate the surface, but get to the crux of the issues to provide in-depth, constructive discussion.

Innovation Forum is NOT:

A PR platform: Enthusiastic speakers are NOT given free rein to fill a session presenting their companies, allowing no time to actually get to the crux of the issues.
A talking shop: This is NOT an opportunity for a group people in a room to simply agree with everything said, regardless of outcomes.
All promise, no delivery: We will NOT promise what we can’t deliver. The issues covered are complex. They won’t be solved at a two-day conference. But we will help deliver progress through in-depth, constructive and practical advice around specific issues.