ROUNDTABLE: SUSTAINABILITY
GREEN PARTY
WHY IS SUSTAINABILITY AN IMPORTANT ISSUE IN THE PARTY INDUSTRY? Raluca: “Everyone celebrates, people throw multiple parties throughout their lives, so sustainability should and must be at the forefront of our thinking. “It is also important to fight against the current preconceptions that it is largely a single use industry. We need to change that narrative, work on sustainable solutions, lead the way and drive the sustainability agenda to help combat the effects of climate change. “And although there is a strong focus on products within the industry, it is also important to not forget about the other aspects of ESG. For example, ensuring that industry supply chains are ethically compliant and working with suppliers to guarantee safe and fair working conditions for all.” Gloria: “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, is a responsibility that belongs to everyone. The balloon and party industry celebrates every aspect of life and our future lives depend on what actions we take today.” Peter: “Historically, the party industry has been less than optimal in terms of sustainability and consideration towards the environment. It has been through nobodies’ fault in particular; it has just reflected Below: Rubies’ Green Collection uses recyclable packaging and costumes made from 100% recycled jersey.
Clockwise: (l to r) Raluca Runcianu, Dominique Peckett, Gloria Veta, Julie Dommett and Peter Silver.
Progressive Party talks to Raluca Runcianu, group head of sustainability and product safety at Amscan; Dominique Peckett, director at Smiffys; Gloria Veta, brand and sales director at Gemar, Julie Dommett, head of marketing at Pioneer Europe, and Peter Silver, head of sales at Rubies, about sustainability in the party industry. the wider societal views of the time. Now though, with everyone thinking about sustainability more than ever before, it is important for all businesses, not just in the party industry, to reflect on their green journey and how they can improve their practices.” Dominique: “As an event-based industry, the party sector has a responsibility to be aware of its impact on the environment. With a variety of single use products used at most events, it lies with the party industry to innovate with new ways to make celebrating more sustainable and reduce the impact on the planet.” Julie: “Sustainability is an important issue for EVERY industry. In most markets worldwide, consumers are more conscious than they ever have been about the impact of their purchasing decisions - and people want to celebrate in a responsible way.”
HOW IS YOUR COMPANY WORKING TO IMPROVE ITS SUSTAINABILITY? Gloria: “Sustainability is a never-ending journey. Gemar started out by committing to the UN Global Compact. We have successfully incorporated the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in our core business and strategic thinking. “We strive to implement these universal principles in day-to-day operations and decision making and we measure the results and the progress towards our goals by reporting according to GRI guidelines.” Dominique: “Here at Smiffys, we are working to reduce our environmental impact as we move towards a more sustainable future. Our costume bags are now recyclable and made from at least 30% recycled plastic. We have removed plastic packaging for our wigs, which “With everyone thinking about are now all packed in FSC certified paperboard boxes. We have sustainability more than ever before, also reworked how we pack accessories, moving to right-size packaging solutions that reduce the amount of carboard without it is important for all businesses, not compromising the protective nature, and removing plastic blisters. just in the party industry, to reflect “Working towards a more sustainable business is a key goal for us and we will continue to review how we on their green journey and how they can make more positive steps across the company.” can improve their practices.” Peter: “Rubies Zero wants to cultivate positive change and protect our environment by supporting businesses through Peter Silver, head of sales at Rubies conscious products and achieving carbon neutral practices.
24 JULY/AUGUST 2023 PROGRESSIVE PARTY EUROPE
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