Collaboration between Pro Carton and ECMA – Mike Turner, Managing Director of ECMA

We managed to grab a cup of coffee with Mike Turner, Managing Director of ECMA, shortly after ECMA Congress in Krakow, Poland in September.  It was at Congress that the new industry framework for Pro Carton and Cepi Cartonboard was announced – and Michele Bianchi was confirmed as President of Pro Carton:

Mike, what do you think works well in the relationship between ECMA and Pro Carton?

There is good alignment between our 2 organisations because we share common objectives – the current legislative environment will create some headwinds although we see continuing opportunities with the ‘plastic to fibre’ packaging transition hence it is important we continue to work closely to the benefits of all in the cartonboard and folding carton sector.

How do you see the relationship between ECMA and Pro Carton developing?

We are planning to work more closely with Pro Carton, leveraging the common values that we share of promoting the cartonboard and folding carton sector; and informing a wide audience of our products sustainability attributes and how we positively contribute to the aspirations of the Circular Economy Action Plan.

What areas of improvement do you envisage in your closer relationship with Pro Carton?

For example, aligning our public affairs work will help us to better promote our sector and reinforce our ability to inform policymakers of the advantages of our products…the closer the position of our sectors, and the wider fibre packaging sector, is aligned, the louder our message resonates with policymakers