The Packaging Council of Australia has given notice of an extraordinary general meeting to force a decision on its future.
In a recent interview with Food & Drink Business's sister publication PKN, Carter – who is also interim CEO of the Australian Packaging Covenant – said he believed there was scope for the two bodies to work together and, in some instances, combine resources in addressing the challenges facing the packaging industry.
You can read his view here.
In calling for the EGM, which will take place on 26 April at 2pm at the PCA offices in South Melbourne, Carter said: "We made a significant reduction to our subscription rates last year, bringing it to an absolute minimum. It is an unfortunate situation but at the same time we have received some membership resignations flagged by a number of large companies, making it impossible for us to continue."
"As a Board, we have not come to this recommendation lightly, but it has become more and more apparent over the last two to three years, as traditional members and some of the packaging industry have moved away from their belief and reliance on the PCA to provide member and industry support.
"We are proud of the PCA’s history. Through member support and engagement we have been able to supply a range of benefits including:
- The PCA Student and Industry Awards program - These have always been well supported. We have encouraged Australian packaging design students and provided incentive to the industry, who participated by showing their latest developments and innovative designs in the Industry awards.
- Our ability to act as our industry’s advocate enabling a collective voice to present points of view on issues and counter with logic and knowledge, some extreme positions taken by interest groups, this is something that cannot be duplicated by other associations.
- PCA has provided industry representation on the FSANZ food safety committee, the Australian Packaging Covenant Council, and the National Packaging Covenant Industry Association Committee, to name a few.
- We have also provided Forums which encouraged collaboration and the opportunity for members and non-members to build relationships across the entire packaging supply chain."
Carter offered his thanks to those who have supported the organisation to this point, adding that he would like to find a way to continue the association, but to date, has not been able to do that.
