The Active & Intelligent Packaging Industry Association (AIPIA) as well as the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) recently went on to sign a Memorandum of Understanding. This MoU aims to enhance their partnership by way of facilitating the transmission of ideas as well as knowledge when it comes to smart packaging and also the scientific principles that happen to be behind it.
WPO will go on to support AIPIA in the field of material science, which itself is of great relevance when it comes to active packaging. AIPIA will offer support to WPO when it comes to promoting sustainable as well as apt packaging creativity.
Both organisations have already collaborated at numerous events, such as ProPak as well as CPHi exhibitions in Asia, MENA, and also South Asia. They will make every effort in order to collaborate on creating shared agendas whenever it is possible and feasible to advance the development of intelligent packaging solutions that happen to be in sync with the objectives of the international industry as well as specific market requirements.
The agreement and signing of the MoU have been welcomed by WPO President Pierre Pienaar, who has expressed that both organisations have recognised their collaborative goals and objectives for a while now, and establishing them in a constructive, practical manner is a natural step in the right direction.
Both share a strong commitment to ownership within the sector and also acknowledge the potential of packaging as an answer rather than an issue, which is often how it is portrayed these days.
Packaging for goods is indeed a top priority, and they view this collaboration as an opportunity to showcase the tangible advantages it offers in a powerful way.
Andrew Manly, the communications director at AIPIA, emphasised that the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) has a prominent position as a global packaging organisation with a good amount of presence in both developed and developing countries. Being able to partner with WPO to promote smart packaging technologies is a significant advantage for the sector.
It allows them to contribute to the organisation’s goals of long-term viability, innovation, as well as supply chain effectiveness. They are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to gain from the expertise of various talented individuals, in particular people like Pierre, who possesses an exceptional knowledge of materials science.
One possible result of the Memorandum of Understanding could be the coming-up of a specific WorldStar Award focused on smart packaging. The Awards happen to be widely regarded as the standard for global packaging creativity and are often referred to as the Oscars of the packaging industry. Smart packaging elements already exist in different categories, but now they are witnessing innovations emerging across various regions such as APAC, MENA, China, and South America, as well as the more established marketplaces of the Americas, Japan, and also Europe. They believe that the time is apt for a more regularised WorldStar Award, said Manly.
They are excited about the collaboration with AIPIA, as it brings added power and expertise to both setups. They are eager to work together and promote the positive impact of packaging and its uses across the world, Pienaar concluded.
