With such a media spotlight on sustainability, Zenith’s 2018 UK Bottled Water Conference on 15 March in London will open with a breakfast briefing on finding more sustainable packaging solutions.
The session features compliance experts Ecosurety, environmental charity Hubbub and leading retailer Marks & Spencer, with moderation by The Packaging Collective.
Taking up the challenge of "Inspiring consumers to value packaging and encourage recycling while on the go", the session will bring together industry members to discuss consumer concerns, focus on areas of opportunity and create a positive way forward for brand owners, suppliers and retailers.
The briefing will review the latest recycling initiatives, including reverse vending and deposit schemes, as well as offering case studies illustrating the importance of producer responsibility in building consumer awareness on effective packaging waste management.
Other highlights at the conference include an overview of latest market developments from Zenith, analysis of consumer and retailer expectations from Kantar and Bridgethorne, and an international keynote address by US leader Niagara Executive Vice President Rali Sanderson.
The afternoon will look at industry policy issues, with contributions from Association of Convenience Stores, British Retail Consortium, Coca-Cola, Co-op and RECOUP.
Nichols and Ugly Drinks will focus on how innovation is evolving and the day will conclude with an entrepreneur shootout involving start-ups Dash Water, JUST Water and Vievė.
New this year is a "Chiller Corner", providing dedicated space for registered delegates on a first come first served basis to showcase their new bottled water products.
The event coincides with the launch of Zenith’s 2018 UK Bottled Water Report with statistics from 2011 through to 2021 forecasts, including packaging, distribution and water types.
The report will also include company and brand volume sales at both full market and segment level, an assessment of challenges and future market trends, and detailed profiles of the leading companies.