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With beverage packaging under intensifying environmental scrutiny, Sidel has named Luc Desoutter sustainable development VP to formally spearhead solutions and environmental initiatives.
Sidel’s recent innovation, NoBottle, support sustainable development. It is an ultra-light PET bottle; its FlexLine, the first bottling line designed specifically for ultra-light PET bottles; the Predis dry decontamination system; and a host of energy-saving options and upgrades for installed lines and equipment. * The right choice* In order to place sustainable development at the forefront for innovations at Sidel, the company has named Luc Desoutter sustainable development VP. He was selected for his in-depth knowledge of the packaging sector and his experience at Sidel. After four years working in production with Plastic Omnium, this ICAM (Institut catholique d’Arts et métiers) engineering school graduate joined Sidel in 1991 and held a number of positions. He worked on special projects management; led the Research & Development Department for expert evaluation and testing of packaging materials; provided technical sales support; and has represented Sidel at numerous international conferences. “We want to make sure that we meet the high expectations of our customers who are driven by consumer demands. Environmental impact is going to become a distinct factor in our decision-making process. Our solutions must be backed by indisputable data and possibilities for improvement,” explained Desoutter. “This is even more critical since sound environmental choices often mirror sound economic choices.”
Analysing life cycles Luc Desoutter’s missions are to define concrete environmental objectives for Sidel’s Product innovation efforts; anticipate and respond to environmental regulations (Eco-Label, recycled materials for food applications); adopt industry standards to evaluate the environmental performance of proposed packaging solutions; and strengthen ties with partner organisations such as Napcor, Petcore, Plastic Europe, players in the waste collection and recycling industry, and trade organisations. The ultimate goal is to ensure a consistent message that does not demonize PET. In spite of the material’s environmental advantages and possibilities for improvement, it often comes under heavy scrutiny.
Sidel has already initiated various ACV (life cycle analyses) on its equipment and packaging solutions. It plans to expand the use of this standardised method as a way to design greener solutions.****