Updates from Walmart's Packaging Sustainable Value Network

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Walmart Announces Dates for the 2012 Annual Sustainable Packaging Expo - Every year Walmart hosts its Annual Sustainable Packaging Expo to bring together brand owners and packagers to explore new sustainable packaging solutions. The Expo is sponsored by the Walmart and Sam's Club Packaging Sustainable Value Network (SVN) and is designed to provide attendees with resources and information to learn about making product packaging more sustainable.

Walmart has tentatively scheduled this year's Expo for Monday, May 7th through Wednesday, May 9th. Based on feedback from last year's Expo, a new schedule will be adopted to allow attendees to focus on training sessions as well as touring the exhibition floor. More details will be available in the coming months.

Reorganization of Walmart Sustainable Value Networks

Walmart's Packaging Sustainable Value Network (SVN) is one of several SVN's in Walmart. Walmart has just announced that there has been a reorganization of the SVNs into two councils – the Product Council and the Operations Council – to further enhance alignment with Walmart businesses. Each Council is lead by a team of senior executives from Walmart's domestic and international businesses. The Packaging SVN will report to the Product Council, reflecting internal recognition that packaging is key aspect in products, and not strictly an operational issue. This change will hopefully bring packaging professionals closer to buyers and brand owner to make greater strides in achieving sustainability goals.

TAPPI is a member of Walmart's Packaging SVN, and TAPPI staff member Dr. Colleen Walker sits on the SVN Steering Committee and participates in their monthly conference calls.