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The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has been going on for more than 60 days when we speak to Veronika Khalaydzhi. She is President of Club Packagers Ukraine and reports on the impact of the war on the packaging industry in the country. Since the beginning of the war, Veronika and her colleagues have been spread across Ukraine, Poland and Germany, endeavouring to support the packaging industry in Ukraine in the best possible way. In an interview with packaging journal, she talks about her feelings and ventures a look into the future of the packaging industry after the war.
Veronika, how are you doing at the moment and what is your current situation?
The office of the Club Packagers of Ukraine, which is currently located in Poznań, is continuing its information work. We are currently helping Ukrainian companies in particular and have published the magazine „Packaging“ № 2. We are also preparing for the all-Ukrainian competition for the best packaging and labelling.
When you look back at the beginning of the war: What were your thoughts and feelings?
It is very difficult to put it into words. We couldn't come to our senses for a long time. Is that even possible today? We had the feeling for some time that Russia could expand its military operations, after all it has been at war since 2014. But to attack the defenceless - children, women, old people - so brazenly and cruelly in the first place. That doesn't fit into our heads. We were all shocked.
Do you have an impression of how companies are dealing with the consequences of the war?
We are in contact with Ukrainian packaging companies. The situation is worst where the enemy was. There are companies that have been completely destroyed and cannot be rebuilt. There are some that are partially destroyed but are no longer working. Those that are still working don't have enough raw materials, spare parts and energy. Many workers left for the defence of Ukraine, and women with children left the country.
What changes have you noticed in the packaging industry since the beginning of the war?
In general, we must respect each other. We must adhere to the general norms of freedom, humanity and respect for other people's opinions. Governments must rule out any possibility of war. We must protect the planet from climate change and natural disasters, we must fight hunger, not war. To achieve this, everyone must be actively involved in these events at all times.
When you think of a time after the war, what do you think we can and must learn from the current situation?
In general, we must respect each other. We must adhere to the general norms of freedom, humanity and respect for other people's opinions. Governments must rule out any possibility of war. We must protect the planet from climate change and natural disasters, we must fight hunger, not war. To achieve this, everyone must be actively involved in these events at all times.
What about the impact of the war on the packaging industry? Are there any aspects that you think need to change?
The war has only emphasised what packers have to work on. The most important task is still to store products and goods for a certain period of time without loss or damage. At the same time, this should be done economically, efficiently, safely, conveniently and informatively for the consumer without harming the environment.
Is there anything else you would like to pass on to our readers?
Yes, of course there is. First of all, we would like to thank everyone who is helping us in these difficult times. We are grateful for the companies that are supporting us financially and morally. We realise that the enemy can only be defeated together. And we know that Ukraine will win. And after the war, we will build the packaging industry all over the world together.
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