The Institute of Packaging Professionals has announced that it shall be forming a new branch in the UK, the first it has opened outside of the US.
The formation of IoPP UK was announced at a champagne reception at the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising in London on 28 May, which was attended by representatives from packaging manufacturers and retailers including Waitrose, Cath Kidston, Samsung and Harrods come together to hear what IoPP UK would have to offer.
Guest speakers, including Marcel Knobil, media commentator and founder of league-table specialist, Superbrands, and Tom Heap, BBC Broadcaster & Writer, spoke on the future of packaging and gave a taste of the ‘new range of education and networking opportunities’ on offer at the paid membership organisation.
Kevin Vyse, Managing Director of IoPP UK, commented: “IoPP has striven to be the unified and consistent voice in packaging in North America and, subsequently, we are bringing IoPP to the U.K. incorporating the true spirit of the Institute.”
Vyse added: “Our vision is to have IoPP U.K. become a truly global standard-bearer for packaging professionals around the world.”
Patrick Farrey, Executive Director of the IOPP in Chicago, welcomed the launch of the UK branch: “IOPP recognises that although we’ve been North America-centric for most of our 75 years, we’ve really entered a global marketplace and our members, who come from 40 countries, are looking for opportunities to connect with people from other parts of the world.”
The Chicago-based IoPP, which currently has over 9,000 members, hopes that IoPP UK’s regular ‘webinars’ and online e-learning resources will connect packaging professionals across the world in a ‘comprehensive way regardless of geographic boundaries’. Membership to IoPP UK costs £145.
The next IoPP UK event will take place at the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising on September 18 2012 where retail consultant, Karl McKeever and Professor of Retail Innovation at Leeds Metropolitan University, Cathy Barnes, will discuss the future role of the retail store and the packaging industry’s reactions to it.
Information on becoming a member of the IoPP UK can be found on the IoPP UK website.
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