Editor's Letter

A word from the editor…

As this is my last issue of Packaging and Converting Intelligence, I introduce Maureen Byrne as the new editor. With her wealth of experience and knowledge of the industry, I leave knowing that the magazine is in extremely good hands. If you have any questions or comments for the next issue, you can reach her at maureenbyrne@globaltrademedia.com

Our cover story this issue reveals why brand owners wishing to reduce their environmental impact need to look beyond individual packaging elements to find the best blend of materials and packaging processes in the context of the entire supply chain. We speak to Nestlé’s Global Head of Packaging, Anne Roulin, about the challenges and the opportunities.

Open innovation strategies continue to be the order of the day. Keith Allen tells us about the latest methods GlaxoSmithKline are undertaking to ensure their technology is leading the way in pharmaceutical packaging.

There are new and exciting opportunities for brand owners, although the packaging and converting industry is undoubtedly still suffering from the economic climate. From a financial standpoint, there was a marked decline in M&A activity in the last year, despite many analysts initially predicting that struggling companies would be ripe for takeover. Our special feature discovers that many have taken the view that now is the worst time to be selling their businesses and are holding on for a higher-value deal in the future.

All the best for the coming year, I have every faith that this will be more fruitful and successful than the last. The industry has proved it has great resilience in the last 18 months, which stands us in good stead for the next challenge. I hope you enjoy this issue.