A new conference focused on industry key challenges and opportunities around sustainability, innovations in technology and design, systems thinking and factories of the future, will be launched as part of Packaging and Processing Week 2019.

Mark Dingley, Chairman of the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA), which owns AUSPACK, said, “We are excited to present the inaugural AUSPACK Business and Industry Conference in 2019. This great new education and information sharing opportunity for industry is another fantastic initiative in line with industry demand.”

With the theme “Smart. Connected. Sustainable.”, the new conference is for decision makers, owners and key staff from the packaging and processing, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, along with associated industries such as design and print, marketing and advertising industry associations.

“’Smart’ covers IIOT, Industry 4.0, automation, robotics and the like, while ‘Connected’ is equipment and work areas talking to each other to also support IIOT and Industry 4.0 initiatives. ‘Sustainable’ refers to business sustainability as a result of the impact of these new technologies in both being able to reduce waste and increased profit for both suppliers and end users in our industry”.

Mr Dingley said, “The AUSPACK Business and Industry Conference is all about exploring new ideas and business potential through case studies, interactive Q&A sessions and keynote plenary sessions, of which there’ll be seven, along with 18 breakouts across two streams: ‘packaging & processing’ and ‘business growth’.”

Sub themes include innovation and technology, sustainable solutions, smart packaging, e-commerce, future consumer, export and distribution, blockchain, design trends and strength through diversity.