Huhtamaki Forum discusses recycling ecosystem

Huhtamaki India recently hosted the first Indian edition of its Think Circle. The forum facilitates an open discussion of the issues, challenges and opportunities the packaging value chain faces in achieving circularity.

Think Circle was launched by Huhtamaki globally in 2020 on its 100th anniversary to begin an open dialogue with leaders from academia, business, NGOs and institutions to gather different perspectives on what is needed today to address some of the greatest challenges we face in creating true and lasting sustainability.

A group of panelists included Yogesh Bambal, Group Head, AMEA, Mondelez, Suraj Nandakumar, Founder of Recity, Dr R Rangaprasad, Business Leader at Packaging360 and Marco Hilty, President, Flexible Packaging at Huhtamaki. The discussion was moderated by Thomasine Kamerling, Executive Vice President of Sustainability and Communications at Huhtamaki.

“While most food packaging can be recycled, many of today’s legacy assets that were designed to recover and recycle packaging require systemic improvements to ensure food packaging is collected, sorted and recycled,” said said Marco Hilty.

He added, “Building a positive materials system for fit-for-purpose food packaging cannot be achieved without innovation and collaboration. To improve material circularity, the first step requires material agreement to support innovation and open up new possibilities. The second stage requires investments in suitable infrastructure, which is the foundation of material circularity. Together, increased circularity and reduced carbon emissions support our framework for action. »

Thomasine Kamerling said Huhtamaki thinks food packaging is essential. By ensuring food hygiene and safety, packaging helps food stay edible longer and plays a key role in ensuring access to affordable food for everyone, wherever they are in the world.

“Through Think Circle, we have created a platform for dialogue between key stakeholders to address the biggest challenges we face while creating a truly sustainable circular economy. The goal is to build a more sustainable food and packaging industry, while maintaining business goals and strengthening conditions for growth,” added Kamerling.

Watch the discussion here.