Future is green for packaging and print

Staff in packaging and display print production are urged to get a first-hand insight into the impact of green sustainability on the retail industry by attending a half-day conference in Sydney on 22 October 2008.

The event, The Future's So Bright Green Sustainability Conference, has been organised by Point-of-Purchase Advertising International (POPAI) and will be held at Randwick Racecourse from 7.30am-12.30pm.

Printing Industries is an event supporter of the conference which aims to bring together retailers, industry suppliers and brands to learn from 'best practice' sharing and sustainability initiatives from industry leaders and experts.

The conference will feature 13 speakers from major national and international companies providing sustainability insights. Leyla Acaroglu, Product Design Research Consultant RMIT University, Centre for Design will introduce the university's Greenfly initiative, a powerful online tool for designers to integrate environmental considerations into their merchandising displays using eco design strategies and life cycle assessment data.

David Gittus, managing director of the Active Display Group and POPAI Tools Committee Team Leader, will discuss product stewardship and steps being taken to share responsibility for Point of Purchase displays over the products' whole life cycle from design to disposal.

Other key note speakers include:

Dr Caroline Noller, Head of Corporate Responsibility, The GPT Group. She will discuss landlords engaging stakeholders in sustainable retailing and best practice sharing solutions deployed at Rouse Hill Shopping Centre, NSW including case study examples.

Paul Lang, Environment Manager Coles - Retail Development: Sustainability initiatives that have been successfully deployed in Coles and what to expect in the future for environmental concept stores.

Janette Lewell, Partner Deloitte Corporate Responsibility Practice: Guidelines and things you need to be aware of when tackling the issue of sustainability.

Richard Evans, CEO Australian Retailers Association: Australian Retailer Association: member company sustainability initiatives.

The Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water Heritage and the Arts, Deloitte, The GPT Group, Active Display Group, SPOS, Metcash, and Garnier have become founding sponsors of the POPAI Sustainability Initiative.

The cost for the conference is $125 (inc GST) per person. Bookings can be made by calling (02) 9984 9322.