ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, March 29, 2017 – Polyolefins are recognized as versatile materials and are one of the most popular plastics in use today as they add significant value to contain, protect and preserve a wide range of products. As a leading producer of advanced polyolefins, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), Catalloy and polybutene-1 (PB-1) resins, LyondellBasell is committed to developing material solutions that push the boundaries of conventional packaging to respond to key societal, environmental and consumer trends.
Consumer requirements, such as increased convenience, longer shelf-life of food items combined with freshness in taste, high visual appeal, right portion size and an active effort to minimize food waste while reducing packaging materials are key trends driving packaging design. Production of a wide range of differentiated flexible and rigid packaging, using the most modern and innovative polymer materials is addressing these requirements. To increase a close collaboration across the value chain, LyondellBasell, one of the leading suppliers of polyolefins, will organize industry events that enable the plastic packaging industry to respond to these challenges. In 2017, the events will focus solely on flexible packaging, while later they will also address the future of rigid packaging. Latest developments will be showcased at these events.
The flexible packaging events in 2017 will host over 130 attendees each and will be held at LyondellBasell locations in Wesseling, Germany and Ferrara, Italy.
“Redesigning the future of plastic packaging solutions should be driven by collaboration across the value chain and LyondellBasell with its broad product portfolio and global manufacturing base is ideally positioned to facilitate this exchange”, said Richard Roudeix, senior vice president Olefins & Polyolefins Europe, Asia and International at LyondellBasell. “Advancing this goal requires innovation and long-term commitment built on a shared vision”.
These industry events will feature guided site visits, a full day of presentations from LyondellBasell and invited industry guest speakers combined with panel discussions and networking opportunities. The events will also discuss how global megatrends such as an ageing population or the increase of single households affect consumer behavior and the packaging industry.
In addition to consumer requirements, the European Commission recently adopted a Circular Economy Package to boost global competitiveness, foster sustainable economic growth and generate new jobs. The package consists of revised legislative proposals on waste with clear targets for waste reduction, management and recycling, with plastics being one of the five priority areas addressed in the “EU action plan for the Circular Economy”.
In support of this European initiative and in an effort to drive Europe’s polyolefins-based packaging towards the circular economy, LyondellBasell has also joined three plastics industry organizations (PlasticsEurope, European Plastics Converters and Plastics Recyclers Europe) in launching the Polyolefin Circular Economy Platform (PCEP). The industry events will also provide a forum to exchange thoughts about this important EU initiative.
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About LyondellBasell:
LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) is one of the world's largest plastics, chemical and refining companies and a member of the S&P 500. LyondellBasell products and technologies are used to make items that improve the quality of life for people around the world including packaging, electronics, automotive parts, home furnishings, construction materials and biofuels. More information about LyondellBasell can be found at www.lyb.com.
SOURCE: LyondellBasell
For information, contact: Jennifer Loaiciga, +31 10 275 4283 or Jennifer.LoaicigaSoto@lyb.com