The Italian Packaging Institute enters Europen

After its membership of WPO (World Packaging Organisation) and EPIC (European Packaging Institutes Consortium), its membership of Europen represents a further strategic step towards internationalisation.

Since April, the Italian Packaging Institute has officially been part of EUROPEN, the important organisation operating at European level with the objective of making the packaging market accessible and effective, respecting the product and the environment.

Increasing openness and action at a global level is one of the objectives of president Alessandra Fazio, who expressed her satisfaction, during the last Board Meeting, for the welcome given to the Institute by the members and of the Europen board, confirming the sound reputation acquired by the Institute over the years.

“This new membership marks another important step in the strengthening of a network of experts in view of the coming into force of the new PPWR “Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation” – commented Francesca Siciliano Stevens, General Secretary of EUROPEN.

As a first action, the Institute found itself in full agreement in signing the “Joint European industry Manifesto”, a rallying call, signed by 85 national associations (including also Ucima), which have come together to prevent the risk of the deindustrialization of Europe and to relaunch of the continent’s competitiveness. The manifesto urges the construction of a new strategy to unlock the potential of the single market and create a safe regulatory context for EU industry so that it remains competitive at a global level.

The key for relaunching is cooperation

In a complex historic moment like the current one, the EU is entering into a new political cycle, in which technology and geopolitics are acting as disruptors, adding pressure to an already difficult economic situation. It’s, therefore, necessary to construct a strategic plan to unlock the potential of the single market and create a safe regulatory context for EU industry so that it remains competitive at a global level.

Recognising the importance of multilateral dialogue, the manifesto first and foremost calls for the need for greater cooperation between industry and public authorities. Policymakers need to draw on the wealth of industry expertise, promoting a context in which know-how and virtuous practices are shared. Cooperation is the key for pushing Europe towards a future that is not only more competitive and sustainable, but also inclusive for all its citizens.

European industry has, therefore, set out five priorities:

1. Reposition Europe as a global leader in trade through consolidation of the single market.
2. Adopt a horizontal approach to the single market and the competitiveness of the EU to succeed in the green and digital transition.
3. Develop a joint strategy to increase the resilience of the value chain, protecting jobs and consumers.
4. Bridge the innovation gap between the EU and global competitors.
5. Cultivate talents, skills and abilities through policies that support vocational training and strengthen education.