The Circular Future Summit

Four phenomena – two EU laws, a massive infrastructure gap and a booming market – are coming together to create a “perfect storm” for the whole foodservice sector.

This conference explains the troubles on the horizon driven by EU law and why the whole foodservice packaging value chain needs a new collective compass to avoid being driven onto the rocks. The industry must chart a journey for the key stakeholders towards Circular Packaging Systems for all foodservice.

The obligations placed by the 2019 single use products directive (SUPD) and the 2025 packaging & packaging waste regulation (PPWR) – and the implications for the foodservice business – will be explained by the 360° Foodservice leadership team.

The event draws attention to the gaps that must be filled in the near future for the industry to survive. Routes to overcoming the challenges will be explored by top speakers from industry and government.

Book a room in the conference hotel for a preferencial rate here.

Click here to see full speaker line-up and programme.

🟡 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS🟡

Jessika Roswall, EU Commissioner for Environment (invited)

• What’s on the regulatory horizon for packaging in the EU and prospects for the Circular Economy Act in 2026.

Klaus Berend, Director, DG SANTE, EU Commission

• Prospects for evolving EU food contact rules.

Gerassimos Thomas, Director General, DG TAXUD, EU Commission

• Pathways to better compliance and fairer competition on the EU market.

Click here to see full speaker line-up and programme.

🟡 SUMMIT THEMES🟡

1. STIRRING UP THE STORM: CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD FOR FOODSERVICE PACKAGING

• How EU Regulation will collide with market growth.

2. FIBRE, PLASTICS AND NEW MATERIALS MARKETS: WHAT IS IN STORE FOR FOODSERVICE PACKAGING

The materials landscape: Evolution of markets for plastics and fibre as recycled content becomes the “Holy Grail”

• Prospects for recycled & virgin plastics markets.
• Prospects for recycled & virgin fibre markets.

3. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, MEETING THE CHALLENGES, SEIZING THE OPPORTUNITIES

Part A: It starts with collection systems & infrastructures

• Collection challenges for foodservice packaging – making a plan.
• What it will take to get the right infrastructure in place in the public space to make collection of used foodservice packaging for recycling a reality by 2035.

Part B: Engaging with consumers to make Circular Packaging Systems work

• Key lessons from Belgium on getting consumers to play the game.
• Packaging material disposal labelling: The PPWR provisions and Commission work plan to deliver a new EU-wide scheme.

Part C: Sorting Facilities & Technologies opening the door to recycling

• Pinpointing the challenges to overcome in sorting facilities to optimise outcomes for foodservice packaging.
• Can the latest sorting technologies help boost recycling of end-of-life foodservice packaging.
• Moderated discussion with audience Q&A

Part D: Opportunities and obstacles for recycling of foodservice packaging in a world where food contact approval is vital

• Improving the recyclability of foodservice packaging – what needs to be done.
• Demonstrating recyclability in practice – how you do it.
• Challenges and opportunities in recycling fibre-based foodservice packaging.
• Challenges in recycling for a food contact end-game.

Part E: Opportunities and obstacles for reuse systems to play a greater role in foodservice

• Where can reuse become the default option: Lessons from the growth of reuse systems in sports and other events in the UK.
• What future for managing collection of reusable packaging.
• Can the experience with digital deposit return systems for bottles and cans provide hints for future collection solutions for reusable packaging.
• Moderated panel discussion & audience Q&A

5. STRATEGIC TRAJECTORIES AND PRACTICAL PROGRAMMES FOR GETTING TO CIRCULAR PACKAGING SYSTEMS FOR ALL FOODSERVICE

• 360° Foodservice building a platform for the industry to secure the future.

6. GETTING TO “CIRCULAR” FOR EUROPEAN FOODSERVICE PACKAGING

• Moderated interactive panel discussion with the audience

7. ENSURING A FAIR DEAL FOR COMPANIES OPERATING IN EUROPE

• Will tighter EU legislation help compliance in practice
• How industry in the EU can mobilise to protect markets from abuse
• Provisions in the packaging and packaging waste regulation to ensure compliance.
• A model for working with customs and market surveillance authorities to tackle operators who cheat (or turn a blind eye to non-compliance) for market advantage.

8. A CALL TO ACTION & CLOSING REMARKS BY 360° FOODSERVICE

Click here to see full speaker line-up and programme.