Packaging manufacturer Coveris has opened what it describes as a first-of-its-kind sustainable development centre in Leeds, as part of its Pack Positive strategy to address packaging and food sustainability in a circular economy.
Responsible for delivering sustainable packaging of the future across multiple plastic and paper formats, the centre is set to connect industry stakeholders with new trends, materials, technologies and ways of thinking, supported by an academic partnership with Leeds Beckett University’s The Retail Institute.
Coveris opened the Pack Positive Centre on 31 January, with experts from across the industry in attendance including speakers Olga Munroe from Leeds Beckett’s The Retail Institute, Roy Cox from WRAP, ORPL’s Stuart Lendrum, and Lee Marshall from LARAC.
With a strategic focus on industry collaboration throughout the entire supply chain, leaders from across the retail food and drink sector also participated in a collaborative Thought Leaders Forum chaired by Professor Jeff Gold of Leeds Beckett University to explore future opportunities and challenges faced as an industry.
The Pack Positive Centre has been set up to provide a dedicated facility and creative development space for retailers, brand owners, manufacturers and technology partners to collaborate with Coveris and drive sustainable value through the entire packaging development process, the company said. That covers concepts from ideation and insight, through to testing, print, commercialisation and recyclability.
Aligned with UK Plastic Pact and Courtauld 2025 commitments to support a circular economy and reduce waste, Pack Positive shares the goals of delivering 100 per cent recyclable packaging, 30 per cent recyclate plastic content and 20 per cent food waste reduction, according to the company.
Adam Robinson, insights and creative manager at the Pack Positive Centre, said: “The Pack Positive Centre will be instrumental in delivering Coveris’ 2025 vision for a circular economy and supporting our customers and retail partners achieve their sustainability targets. Through collaboration with stakeholders in the supply chain, access to expert capabilities and extensive consumer and retail insight via our partnership with The Retail Institute, the centre will facilitate education and innovation as we lead positive and ambitious change in the packaging industry.”
Coveris also plans to host regular workshops the Pack Positive Centre to educate and inspire packaging of the future.
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