Within the last month, we have received a massive influx of news surrounding the coronavirus pandemic: How it is affecting the packaging industry across all sectors, and how companies are rising to meet unprecedented challenges. It may seem like the packaging industry is “on hold”, with major exhibitions such as interpack and drupa moving to 2021, however we are witnessing the industry adapting in an impressively agile and flexible way to support the crisis on a European and global scale. Libby Munford explores key trends and issues that have arisen from this new world.
CORONAVIRUS: CHALLENGING TIMES IN A FAST-CHANGING WORLD SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
T
he packaging industry welcomed news with open arms when the European Commission confirmed that the transportation of packaging materials for essential industries such as food and pharmaceuticals will be able to use its “green lanes” – essentially fast-tracking the movement of materials. Looking across the board, Simon Ellin, Chief Executive of The Recycling Association, says, “Our members are hearing reports from all corners of the world that essential cardboard, paper, glass, metal cans, and plastics are in very strong demand. We’ve got to keep our supply chains open to ensure food and medical supplies can reach those who need it.” However, President of Pro Carton, Horst Bittermann states: “There will inevitably be challenges ahead. To ensure wide availability of goods, the supply chain needs to work smoothly from its start right through to the consumer’s home. For us that
means having sufficient raw material, both virgin and recycled fibre. It is essential that the supply of wood pulp is maintained and equally that paper based packaging and other paper products are sent for recycling (with separate collection where this is practised). It is imperative that local Governments and Councils maintain the operation of these recycling systems to guarantee that sufficient recycled paper fibre is available. “The haulage industry is under pressure to supply the numbers of drivers, vehicles and containers that are required. This is likely to be even more of a problem after the Easter break when some drivers may be required to quarantine before returning to their duties.” FINAT Managing Director Jules Lejeune updates us on the self-adhesive labels market and short run packaging in particular, “Presently, the European label value chain is facing consider-
able challenges, as businesses are struggling to keep up with excessive short term demand due to hoarding, while at the same time, companies are coping with labour shortages and restrictions on the availability of critical raw materials and chemicals in the manufacturing process.” It remains to be seen if European and global supply chain models will be able to sustain themselves throughout this crisis, and it appears crucial that the industry responds across material sectors with a unified approach.
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