Istanbul (Turkey), September 2010 With the presence of 35 representatives of packaging associations around the world, from 20 countries, the World Packaging Organization (WPO) accomplished its second and last meeting of 2010 in Istanbul, Turkey, from September 13 to 17, hosted by ASD – the Turkish Packaging Manufacturers Association.
Some important decisions were taken in the meeting:
· Korea Packaging Center (Kopac) was accepted as a new full member representing Korea.
· Österreichisches Forschungsinstitut für Chemie und Technik (ofi) was accepted as a new full member representing Austria.
· Global Packaging Center Holdings Company Ltd (GPCH), from Hong Kong, China, were accepted as affiliate member.
· Appointment of new Honorary Members fro long time contribution, commitment and excellent services rendered to WPO: Alexander Soltan (Poland), Jens-Christian Sorensen (Denmark), Rajiv Dhar (India) and Dharma Ratnayake (Sri Lanka).
· Preparation of the second edition of the Residential Training Program in Packaging Principles, Materials and Systems to be held in India in 2011; other countries can apply for hosting this course (Education Committee).
· Launching of a packaging education endorsement program in pilot scale (Education Committee).
· Preparation of research to measure the impact of WPO connections in the world packaging industry (Marketing & Communication Committee).
· Organization of WorldStar Student by CEPI (China National Export Commodities Packaging Research Institute) in 2010 and 2011 (Education Committee).
· Organization of WorldSTar Student by IoPP (Institute of Packaging Professionals), USA, in 2012 and 2013 (Education Committee).
· Reduction of the numbers of criteria for the WorldStar Sustainable Packaging Awards, from 10 to six in 2011 (Sustainability Committee).
The meeting was also encompassed the first part of the WorldStar judging process that this year has been divided in two parts. Entries accepted until August 20th were judged in Istanbul, September 15th; entries that come in September until October 15th will be judged by the same jury in a new innovative online process by the end of October. The WorldStar results will be announced in November. The winners will be honoured in a ceremony during Interpack, in Düsseldorf, May 2011.
In Istanbul the 24 jury members, including an IPPO (International Packaging Press Organization) member, judged 250 packages (44 from India, 37 from Japan, 33 from Turkey, 27 from China, 18 from Mexico, 11 from the USA, 9 from France, 9 from Hungary, 9 from Spain, 7 from Czech Republic, 6 from Switzerland, 5 from Russia, 4 from Ukraine, 4 from Poland, 4 from Israel, 4 from Slovenia, 3 from the UK, 2 from the Netherlands, 2 from Germany; Thailand, Austria, Brazil, Colombia and Latvia had one entry each).
Also during the week in Istanbul, WPO members had the opportunity of participating in the 6th International Packaging Congress and visiting the Packaging 2010 – 16th International Packaging Industry Fair, both events organized by ASD – the Turkish Packaging Manufacturers Association. Keith Pearson, President of WPO, opened the Congress with the presentation “Better quality of life through better packaging for more people”, a subject totally aligned to the central theme of the event: “Packaging and food safety”. Keith believes that “in order for the global packaging industry to improve its image and to best serve humanity, there is a need for serious cooperation to take place and for all nations to be involved in knowledge transfer”.
In the second part of this year WPO will also participate in two other important events, Pack Expo International, in Chicago (USA), and Emballage, in Paris (France).
For general matters regarding the WPO please contact Carl Olsmats, WPO General Secretary – [email protected]
Press information and request of pictures and interviews:
Liliam Benzi – [email protected] - +55 11 9989-1597