The Midlands Packaging Society has enjoyed a close relationship with Vereniging Nederlandse Verpakkingskundigen (VNV), translated as ‘Dutch Association of Packaging Professionals’ for several decades now. Both organisations have accommodated each other on business trips to the other’s country in a bid to share knowledge and experiences. Over the years each has benefited from sharing experiences that encompass the fast-changing effects of global pressures on businesses involved in navigating the complexities of sustainability and supply chain pressures and new technical developments in equipment and business operation.
This year it was the turn of The Midlands Packaging Society to host the VNV during their trip to the UK. Visits to a number of packaging suppliers took place during June 8th/9th with the visitors taking in businesses in Telford, a recycling facility in Coventry and an international health care brand near Burton-Upon-Trent.
One of the VNV visitors commenting on trip and said “What struck me was the openness of with which challenges and opportunities and packaging were discussed. Whether we’re talking about material choices, recycling legislation, supply chains or consumer experiences and expectations it becomes increasingly clear that our industry is navigating a period of profound change”.
“Visits like these our valuable because they take us beyond conference presentations and PowerPoint slides, they allow us to see operations first hand, exchange experiences with colleagues from other markets, and challenge some of our own assumptions. One thing I always appreciate about the packaging community is that while we may compete in business, we remain remarkably willing to learn from each other” they concluded.
The visit ended with the hosts introducing their guests to an evening of ‘pub hospitality’ where games of skittles were played alongside a meal of faggots and peas and warm English ale!
Hosts Ian Morris and Keith Barnes were delighted that the event was such a success and thanks were exchanged by all concerned who made this event possible. The Midlands Packaging Society is looking forward to a return event as they now have an open invitation to a recurrent visit to the Netherlands soon.