The Packaging Association challenged the packaging industry on environmental innovation in a full-day event in Toronto called the PAC Green Den.
Seventeen packaging companies presented new environmental concepts to a panel of three environmental experts which included: Tom Szaky, Founder and CEO of TerraCycle, Glena Gies, Executive Director of Waste Diversion Ontario; and Daniel Normandin, Executive Director of Le CIRAIG – LCA Institute.
In the style of TV’s Dragon’s Den, in which inventors bring their ideas to a panel of potential investors and are then critiqued, each product at PAC’s Green Den received a thorough analysis from each panelist, who pointed out the strengths and weaknesses of each offering.
Products presented included a new type of reusable produce bag, improvements on plastic bottle design and even new polymers. At the end of the day, the audience, comprised of packaging companies and brand owners alike, were allowed to vote on innovations they felt were the most interesting.
Norampac was the overall winner of the audience voting with the presentation of a new water-repellent non-wax coating which allows for greater recyclability of boxes. Second place went to Conwed Global Netting Solutions, who presented a reusable, breathable, produce bag. Third place went to Hood Packaging, which presented an economical, bio-friendly, flexible packaging.
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