A special menu made from 'saved' food and recycleable, reusable décor will feature at the sustainability-themed gala dinner for the 2019 APPMA Awards of Excellence.
Tickets sales have opened for the 'not-to-be-missed' gala ceremony to celebrate the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA) Awards of Excellence, taking place during AUSPACK on 27 March 2019.
Sustainability is the central theme of the awards presentation event, which will be reflected in detail in the décor and the menu. APPMA chairman Mark Dingley explains: “From the bubble-wrap ‘red-carpet’ entrance right through to the food served, every element of the evening has ‘sustainability’ at its core. This reflects both how intrinsic sustainability is to the operation of our industries and our commitment to it.”
Recycled paper and cardboard has been chosen as primary materials for the décor elements.
“Cardboard is obviously an important material in packaging and will be used throughout the room, from an impressive entrance to intricate decorations. All the cardboard and paper products used will be created from a combination of responsibly sourced kraft liner and 100 per cent recycled paper,” Dingley said.
Table centrepiece decorations will feature recycled copper, with lines referencing barcodes, while the lighting will all be low-energy LED. Dingley says all plants used will be returned to the source nursery after the night, and the floral arrangements will be donated to a local nursing home if guests don't take them home.
“As for the three-course meal itself, this is something we’re also very proud of because we’re deliberately working to reduce food waste. The menu will be designed in partnership with Yume, rescuing top-quality, brand-name surplus food that may have otherwise been discarded.”
Dingley said the ceremony will also feature some top-class entertainment, including multi-skilled performer Peter Rowsthorn as MC. Rowsthorn started his career as a stand-up comedian, working in television in the 1980s with the Comedy Company, although he is perhaps better known as ‘Bretty’ in one of Australia’s most successful sitcoms, ‘Kath & Kim’, or recently on ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’. Music will be by jazz group Lil Miss Jazz.
“The evening is all about celebrating excellence, leadership and best practice in Australia’s processing and packaging industry,” according to Dingley, who is encouraging APPMA members and AUSPACK visitors and exhibitors to purchase tickets for the Gala Awards Ceremony on 27 March, as seating is limited.
To purchase tickets, visit www.auspack.com.au/awards.
AUSPACK 2019 will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 26-29 March 2019. Visit www.auspack.com.au for more information.
