Live From the Sustainable Packaging Forum

Having posted some audio musings from the opening moments of the Fourth Annual Sustainable Packaging Forum, I’ve ducked out of lunch early to share some keen insights from this morning’s first session.

Entitled Sustainability and Cost: Responsible Value Chain Business Decisions in a Weak Economy, the discussion featured CPGs (Kellogg, Frito-Lay, Sara Lee), packaging companies (ALCAN, GP) in addition to raw material suppliers and machinery manufacturers.

The main take away is that a slowing economy in many instances provides a cataylst for companies throughout the value chain to increase efficiencies and decrease energy use.

I was writing things down so fast during their spirited give and take that the following quotes are without attribution. But I guarantee that this is what was said. Some choice outtakes:

“We all agree sustainability is not a fad-it is here and here to stay.”
“Sustainability is now woven into decision making from the ceo on down.”
“Our ceo has said publicly and often that is one of our most important business opportunities.”
“Sustainability is about forcing efficiencies into the system”
“Major brands are actively looking further down the sc to tap innovatove suppliers and resin companiesm”

And my favorite: “We’re already doing things that are right–now we need to get the message out.”

Indeed. As a professional communicator in BtoB I am frequently frustrated by the inability or unwillingness of companies to responsibly communicate their sustainability successes and plans.

Opportunity, in the words of that anthem from the 70s, keeps walkin by. (Roberta Flack)