A future without waste, let’s PAK it together.
A future without waste, let’s PAK it together.
The PAK Packaging Seminar organised by our company took place on 6 March 2025. This year, the conference slogan was: ‘A future without losses. Let’s PAK it together.’ It is closely linked to our company’s mission: ‘We are focused on eliminating food waste by providing safe plastic packaging that extends the shelf life of food, with the least possible impact on the environment.’. During the Seminar, we focused on how we can reduce waste and distribute resources sensibly, as well as on the latest trends and innovations in the industry. As usual, in addition to valuable lectures and a panel discussion, there was a unique atmosphere and a great party at the banquet.
Zuzanna Skalska – ‘Liminal space for business: between the present and the future’.
Zuzanna Skalska’s lecture made a huge impression on all Guests. Expressive, full of factual knowledge, as well as witty, amusing comments – despite the difficult topic, it was received extremely enthusiastically. We listened in rapt attention to the fact that the world is changing faster than ever and that companies must learn to function in a liminal space, i.e. at the interface between the present and an uncertain future. Zuzanna Skalska shared her experience in identifying trends and what to consider when making strategic decisions in a dynamically changing business environment.
Zuzanna Skalska gave attendees huge amount of inspiring insights and quotes, and one particularly memorable one was an apt summary of consumerism in a generational context: ‘We buy things we don’t need, with money we don’t have, to impress people we don’t like’. This strong and perverse statement prompted many seminar participants to reflect on how the priorities of the next generation are changing and how business should adapt to the new expectations of conscious consumers.
Katarzyna Dybowska (PAK Sp. z o.o.) – ‘From intention to authenticity: Why do customers choose brands with values?’
Brand authenticity is of paramount importance today, and consumers are increasingly choosing companies that have certain values and act in a consistent manner. Katarzyna Dybowska emphasised that customers trust brands that are authentic – that is: sincere, consistent and good-natured. She backed up these theses with research, and gave several examples – both bad and good practices – as guidelines for action.
Her presentation was a strong reminder that, in the long run, honesty with customers always pays off, because it is authentic brands that win loyalty and trust – and consumers reward these brands by choosing them over many others in the market.
Artur Bartkowiak (Natureef) – ‘What can we do to make our packaging EKO? Benefits versus technological challenges’
Eco-friendly packaging is the future of the industry, but there are many challenges to implement it. Artur Bartkowiak discussed five key actions to reduce the environmental impact of packaging: choosing sustainable materials, minimising the use of raw materials, designing for recycling, reducing the carbon footprint and educating consumers. He also highlighted the growing role of monomaterials and biodegradable alternatives.
Professor Artur Bartkowiak, thanks to his academic experience, masterfully translated the complex subject of ecological packaging into accessible and comprehensible language, making even the most complicated issues clear and inspiring.
Marta Krawczyk – ‘Recyclates for food contact – challenges and innovations’
Can recyclates be used in food packaging? Marta Krawczyk discussed the latest EU regulations (PPWR, SUP) and innovations in plastics recycling. She pointed out that the growing demand for recyclates requires changes in selective collection and waste processing systems. She also provided concrete examples of materials that meet safety requirements and can be used in contact with food, emphasising that eco-design and proper waste sorting are key to success.
Although the topic of recyclates in food packaging is complicated due to numerous regulations, Marta Krawczyk presented it in a clear and accessible manner, which the participants particularly appreciated, gaining valuable knowledge about the opportunities and challenges in this area.
Wioleta Wardak (Gaspol S.A.), Bartosz Ratowski (URS Polska) – ‘Business in the balance: how bioenergy can become your partner in reducing your carbon footprint.’
Carbon footprint is a topic that is gaining increasing importance in the packaging and food industry. Wioleta Wardak and Bartosz Ratowski discussed strategic approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, pointing to the role of bioenergy as a sustainable energy source. They emphasised that companies should take action to optimise energy consumption, source raw materials from local sources and select technologies that reduce CO₂ emissions.
An important highlight of the conference was a panel discussion in which experts from the packaging industry, food industry and NGOs came together to discuss how to reduce losses in the supply chain. Those invited to participate in the panel were:
🔹 Katarzyna Jakubowska-Gawlik – Head of the Plastic Packaging Department at Animex Foods Sp. z o.o.,
🔹 Ewa Karbowska -President of the Management Board of PAK Sp. z o.o.,
🔹 Michał Bruź -Proxy at Torimpex Trade Sp. z o.o.,
🔹 Norbert Konarzewski – Office Director at the Federation of Polish Food Banks,
🔹 Michal Piszczek – Owner at Eko Goods, co-founder of Torun’s Eateries,
🔹 Moderation: Marek Bielski (Gemini Group, MEATing)
The discussion focused on the problems of raw material wastage, lack of efficient logistics and the challenges of packaging recycling. Experts stressed that it is crucial for manufacturers, suppliers and environmental organisations to work together to create more efficient and sustainable resource management systems. Particular attention was also given to the role of consumers in reducing food waste at home – it was emphasised that any change starts with individual decisions and a conscious approach to planning shopping, product storage and waste segregation.
At the Packaging Seminar, PAK recognised three companies that have recently taken bold steps towards more sustainable packaging solutions. The ‘For boldly making eco-friendly changes’ awards were presented by PAK CEO Ewa Karbowska, acknowledging the innovative approach and the real environmental impact of these actions.
The above actions of these companies are proof that change is possible and that an innovative approach to packaging design can go hand in hand with ecology and business efficiency.
After the official part, it was time for backstage talks and networking, and in the evening – the banquet, which once again proved that PAK is not only about business, but also about great atmosphere and relations! Our Guests had a great time and the event stretched into the late hours of the night. Let the words of the band, coming off the stage, be a symbolic summary how perfectly the Guests enjoyed themselves, stating: ‘You are fantastic, we will recommend you to other bands!’.
We would like to thank all the Speakers and Panellists. And above all – thank you to the Guests of the Seminar. We are organising this event for you and there is nothing more satisfying for the PAK Team than your words ‘it was sensational!’ coming to us after the conference.
PAK at the Polish Cheese Congress 2024 From 6-8 November, we participated in the 13th Polish Cheese Congress, held in Nałęczów, at the Arche Hotel.
The Polish Chamber of Flexographers once again organised an excellent conference! It was attended by our DTP Studio Manager – Arkadiusz Dagow and Print Technologist
Ask our Marketing and PR Manager, Katarzyna Dybowska, about events in the company’s life and information related to marketing, current events and CSR and advertising collaborations.
