This is my first blog at Aura in my new role as Consultant e-halo Analyst and I have found it quite a challenge to condense all my learnings this month into one blog. I might add I did become closer friends with the delete button than any other key on my keyboard as I condensed all my thoughts.
So, just to give you a bit of background before going into my first month working with Aura. My background has been in the packaging artwork industry for about 14 years now, starting from grabbing tea for the boss (which, if I may say, I make a grand cup of tea) to operating large global brands/retailers’ packaging artwork from multiple countries. However, it was time for a change and to learn something new within the packaging industry.
With my packaging expertise in mind, coupled with my passion for sustainability, I decided to knock on Aura’s door.
What a crazy first month it’s been! A whirlwind of activity, learning, and laughter!
So, where do I start? Well, first things first, what an absolutely brilliant team I have been working with. And I really do mean this. They have not only made me feel welcome and supported, in addition I have been able to laugh so much my facial muscles have ached. I can’t stress enough how hard-working, knowledgeable, and passionate the team are. One thing that really stood out straight away was the way Aura takes work-life balance seriously. Whether this is for childcare or personal interests, Aura will help and support you to find the right balance, which I believe is important for both physical and mental health, and can lead to increased productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. This is a big green tick for me.
Now, let’s get down to the learning part. Well, let’s just say as the world of sustainability is constantly changing there is a never-ending amount of information to take in. However, the team has broken it down into bite-sized chunks. Firstly, let’s talk about the systems I’ve been working on.
e-halo is a state-of-the-art platform designed to manage the changing landscape of global packaging, taking your packaging data to another level. It takes all the information from our research and transforms complex multi-market legislation into clear and simple reporting dashboards and aligns them to our clients’ goals.
In addition e-halo can calculate recyclability by market at the touch of a button. Now, I’ve made that sound easy and simple. However, there is a lot of hard work and logic behind the scenes to create e-halo and its functionality. The level of research needed before we get to the coding and technical development must be thorough and accurate. The consultancy team has really given me a great steer on where and how to research to discover the truth under the veil of greenwashing.
Another great learning opportunity I have been given is to watch the GRIPS Conference 2023 (Sustainable Plastics Live / Global Research & Innovation in Plastics). This conference has opened my eyes to awareness, technology, and design for sustainable plastics. The number of creative solutions to help sustainable plastics was truly lovely to see and could really help address our global packaging problem. Some examples were refill / reuse infrastructures, recovering single-use plastics and transforming them into valuable new products, and AI technology at recycling plants.
However, these can’t happen if we don’t change, invest, have suitable waste infrastructure, and collaborate with each other, as this is not a one-man band solution.
Luke Farnsworth, Aura
Please feel free to review some of the fantastic stuff I listened to and watched at the GRIPS conference by clicking here.
Another side of my job that I have enjoyed learning about is the pure consultancy side of Aura. Now, this is where the consultancy team really comes into their own to support, guide, and educate businesses on how sustainable their packaging is. And when I say in detail, I mean in detail. Team Aura go the extra mile to provide the most precise and accurate information while considering the needs of each individual client. From strategic goals, process mapping, specifications, and advice on pretty much anything in the sustainable packaging space.
Yes, It has been a fantastic month at Aura, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
Luke Farnsworth, Aura
Recapping my onboarding experience provided the time to reflect on what is happening in the packaging world, what needs to change, and more importantly, how we need to work together to make the packaging industry more sustainable. My pioneering journey has only just begun but I have learned so much these past four weeks and I look forward to seeing where the future takes me.
If you would like to get together and discuss your packaging sustainability journey, feel free to reach out to me over a cup of tea, as I would love to hear any advice you have to offer or any challenges you would like to share.
Have a great day!