„Flexible Packaging Europe (FPE) has a new chairman. Alexander Baumgartner, CEO of Constantia Flexibles, was unanimously elected as the successor to Gérard Blatrix at the FPE summer conference in Amsterdam. He announced that he would lead the European association into the “next phase of development„.
Recyclability, Resource efficiency, sustainability, the avoidance of food waste and Food safety are the central themes of FPE, said Baumgartner and encouraged the members to unite: „To achieve this, it is important that we speak with one voice as an industry and drive change.“
Predecessor gave flexible packaging a strong voice
Baumgartner's predecessor Gérard Blatrix held the position of Chairman for two terms. The Managing Director of Amcor Flexibles has, according to FPE, made a significant contribution to giving flexible packaging an important voice and role in the packaging world and to supporting the development of the flexible packaging industry in Europe.
The Summer conference FPE also took the opportunity to present the latest market data. Manufacturers are pleased to report further growth, although this is weakening slightly and is below the previous year's figures. A market analysis was presented by Wood Mackenzie Chemicals. Accordingly, the consumption of flexible packaging in Europe by two per cent to almost 14.5 billion euros in 2018. Western Europe recorded moderate growth of 1.8%, while demand in Eastern Europe rose at an above-average rate of 3%.
Annual production will continue to grow in the future
The European annual production led to a total turnover of more than 15.6 billion euros, the analysis revealed. 78 per cent of sales were generated in Western Europe and 22 per cent in Eastern Europe. Around ten per cent of production goes to the Export to non-European destinations. The FPE refers to forecasts according to which growth will continue. The expectation is Increase in sales to around 16 billion euros in 2023.
[infotext icon]The member companies of Flexible Packaging Europe (FPE) represent the entire spectrum of flexible packaging. The member companies - 80 small and medium-sized companies, but also the large European manufacturers - account for more than 85 per cent of European sales of flexible packaging. Six national flexible packaging associations are also members of the FPE.
http://www.flexpack-europe.org
