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Optimising Sustainability: Key Metrics for the Packaging and Containerboard Industry

Separately bookable, Limited spaces available

This workshop is designed to help define key sustainability metrics for the packaging and containerboard industry. Understand how to measure and track these metrics. and identify opportunities to improve the sustainability of packaging and containerboard products.

– Optimising for Agility and Resilience: Explore strategies for building a more agile and responsive supply chain to navigate potential disruptions, including supplier diversification, nearshoring, and scenario planning.
– Examine how containerboard CEOs can leverage technologies like automation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize production processes, reduce waste, and improve overall efficiency.
– Building the Workforce of the Future: Explore strategies for attracting, retaining, and developing a skilled workforce equipped to handle the demands of a digital and automated future.  

– What is on the horizon for the mega macro trends, including the Impact of 2024: Analyse the lingering effects of the pandemic, market volatility, and other factors 

– A closer look into sustainability and the impact of regulations and shifting consumer sentiment, including substrate preferences and the willingness to pay for sustainability 

– The industry’s transformation: Megatrends of Gen AI and AI and presenting use cases 

– Global macroeconomic outlook
– Where is the US economy heading 
– The key drivers of economic growth from forest products industry perspective 

The pulp, packaging, and containerboard industry is witnessing a wave of consolidation, with companies seeking scale and resilience in a challenging market. Recent mega-mergers have reshaped the competitive landscape, prompting critical questions about the future. 

This panel discussion will bring together industry experts to delve into the M&A landscape and explore what lies ahead: 

– Analysing the drivers of consolidation
– Mega-Merger Impact: Explore the potential long-term implications of recent mega-mergers, including their impact on pricing dynamics, competition, and product innovation.
– What potential divestment strategies could be seen? When might companies look to shed non-core assets or streamline operations? What are the benefits of such divestitures?
– How can smaller companies compete and innovate in this environment? 

– What is driving the increased volatility in pulp price cycles and what are the long-term implications for the industry
– Has enough softwood pulp capacity come out of the market, and is hardwood capacity also at risk ?
– How have the past two years changed the competitive landscape for global softwood pulp producers?
– Why has so much fluff pulp and dissolving pulp capacity closed in North America ?

– How current market dynamics are impacting their businesses and how they are adapting their strategies for success.
– Analyse the impact of plastic substitution on corrugated board demand and supply chains. Will this lead to increased corrugated consumption or create new challenges for end users?
– Strategies for incorporating consumer feedback into the packaging development process  

How can containerboard companies strike a balance between delivering strong financial performance while meeting evolving sustainability expectations and exploring new growth avenues?

– Analysis of the outlook for boxboard demand following the pandemic boom and crash back to reality last year. 

– Exploring the impact new capacity will have on the market in the coming years. 

– A look at cost inflation and how it will remain an issue facing producers 

Our expert panellists will delve into the shifting landscape of consumer expectations, and the strategies for effectively integrating pulp production with manufacturing processes. Gain valuable insights, exchange perspectives, and discover innovative solutions to meet the demands of a dynamic market. 

– Analysing how demographic shifts, like aging populations, and changing consumer preferences for sustainability, convenience, and premium features are impacting the tissue and consumer products market. 

– Explore strategies for integrating pulp production with manufacturing processes to ensure efficient use and of resources, cost-effectiveness, and high-quality product output. 

– A closer look into sustainability integration into the supply chain- challenges and opportunities
– Technology Advancements- Embracing the power of AI
– Where next with M&A for our industry? 

Join us for a delicious breakfast and dive into the future of sustainable packaging.

• See how the industry is leading on sustainability through its Better Practices, Better Planet initiative
• Explore innovations and advances in bio-based materials
• Discover current and upcoming legislation impacting sustainable forestry and pulp and paper manufacturing

– Discuss strategies for optimising the supply chain in the face of potential disruptions 

– Exploring the importance of embracing new technologies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and meet evolving customer demands 

– Addressing the challenge of labour- the need to invest in workforce development programs to address potential skill gaps and ensure a future-proof workforce 

– What factors have caused the recent varied regional dynamics in global recovered paper markets? 
– What to expect for the future balance of demand and supply?
– What are the key risks and uncertainties in the trade sector and how will they impact global market?

– Analyse how geopolitical tensions are impacting containerboard transportation and explore potential mitigation strategies for businesses.
– Explore strategies for optimising containerboard transportation by leveraging intermodal options, route planning, and collaborative logistics partnerships. 

Join the discussion to understand if AI is a liberating force for innovation or a potential disruptor, and discover real-world examples of how mills and converters are already leveraging AI to gain a competitive edge. 

– What does this mean for packaging?
– Is it liberating or fearful? 
– Integrating AI into your supply chain process 
– How is it being used today at mills and converters? 

The eCommerce supply chain has been around for only 25 years. As eCommerce companies grew and added more expertise to their ranks, they started optimizing their logistics and packaging. 

At first, everything was packed in American cases, then slowly moved to more sophisticated boxes mailers, bags and automation.  

The latest wave – driven by consumers and regulation – is moving the portfolio even more towards automation (technology), recycled paper and custom eCommerce packaging (for example: protective mailers) in the future, since the supply chain is now ready for it, we will see the development of custom eCommerce packaging (a combination of existing materials and designs)  

In this session, we will discuss the circularity of fiber-based packaging, responsible forestry, innovative partnerships and the path to decarbonisation. 

– What are the key demand & supply trends for Latin America for 2025-2026?
– How can nearshoring trends in Mexico affect the market?
– What should drive regional consumption?