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PLASTIC PACKAGING – THE HOT TOPIC The topic of plastic waste has come to the forefront of the minds of both businesses and consumers both in Ireland and abroad. An estimated 50% of all plastic produced is single-use, and research shows that if current habits continue there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050. Following demand from consumers, and further motivated by the EU’s proposed ban on single-use plastics, many businesses have put measures in place to reduce the amount of single-use plastic consumed, with Lidl the most recent to announce their ban on non-recyclable packaging on fruit and veg by Christmas 2018, on fresh fish by February 2019 and fresh and processed meat products by August 2019.
ORIGIN GREEN SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING SEMINAR Bord Bia’s Origin Green team and Repak recently co-hosted a sustainable packaging seminar for verified members of the Origin Green programme. Speakers from organisations including the EPA, 3Keel, and Musgrave Group as well as Bord Bia and Repak, addressed topics including packaging trends, innovation, challenges and legislation. The seminar also featured a panel discussion comprising of representatives from Origin Green member companies, government and packaging experts. As consumers grow more concerned about packaging waste, the seminar aimed to give members a deeper insight into sustainable packaging in the Irish food, drink and horticulture industry. Learn more at www.origingreen.ie.
PACKAGING PROSPECTS UNPACKING SUCCESS: 2018 AND BEYOND Bord Bia, in partnership with Touch Packaging Innovation Specialists recently launched our latest packaging report ‘Packaging Progress 2018+’, at a workshop in The Thinking House. The report provides first hand insights on the packaging trends which will influence businesses now and into the future. A number of themes which are likely to shape future packaging developments were explored including: ● The role that technology is playing today ●N ew routes to market ● Responding to the circular economy and ways in which we need to consider future packaging life cycles ●F uture opportunities for innovation in consumer experience via packaging The report is designed to allow businesses to start questioning how they look at their packaging and consider the role it plays in their marketing strategy, business planning and supply chain models. ✽
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2019 FROM BORD BIA Bord Bia provides financial support to Irish food, drink and horticulture companies through our Marketing Assistance and Step Change programmes. Both initiatives can enhance the competitiveness of your business by helping you take the next step in your growth progression. The MAP assists you in establishing a foothold in new and emerging niche markets, while the SCP funds significant new projects which have the potential to impact strongly on your company’s growth levels. In 2018 a total of €799,000 was approved for 160 MAP applicants with a further €165,000 approved for four companies under SCP. Activities eligible for support include participation at trade fairs and exhibitions, marketing, design, new product development, and quality measures. Don’t miss the opportunity in 2019. Details of grant opportunities for 2019 will be made available in mid-November 2018, with applications ending 31 January 2019. Please note, for those wishing to exhibit or travel to trade fairs in mid to late January, your application must be received in advance of activities taking place. Please contact your sector manager to discuss a possible application, or see www.bordbiavantage.ie/business-development/map-step-change-fund for further information. ✽
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HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticultureconnected.ie / Autumn/Winter 2018
