Some comments on EU policies related to innovation and SMEs
It is nowadays more than obvious that the RTD framework programs FP6 and, especially FP7, were designed under the pressure and consultation of powerful consortia which set the rules
so that they monopolize the EU funding. It also fitted to the capabilities and structure of DGResearch: fewer proposals, less work.
However, this setup is far from serving innovation and competitiveness of European industry and especially SMEs.

More packaging and the right sort of packaging can help to curb world hunger!
Ever since World War II, global food production has increased faster than population growth, and food prices have remained relatively stable. Now, however, we are seeing a reversal of that trend – and we face a world food shortage. Populations are starving and food prices have risen dramatically.

Among today's basic parameters in designing, creation, and promotion of a new product is the "sustainability" of the product and especially of its packaging. This is a prerequisite of the powerful retail chains which dominate the market of food, beverage, and other fast moving products.

In the last five years the Greek packaging industry had an average growth of 4%, much above the European Union average. Food and beverage is the major customer sector covering more than 55% of packaging consumption. The expected growth figure for 2009 is 1-1.5%.

2007 WorldStar winners selected in Athens!

WorldStar 2007 attracted 291 entries from 32 countries around the world. Out of this 166 were selected as WorldStar winners 2007 by the jury in their meeting in Athens, Greece, on October 24, 2007. Six of the entries were also nominated for the “best-of-thebest” President’s Award. The jury consisted of 25 representatives from the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) and one representative from the International Packaging Press Organisation (IPPO).

World Packaging Organization in co-operation with the independent Association Pira International, will issue in June 2005, the results of the International Survey of Packaging, currently conducted. Detailed information prep by material category as well as itemized statistics on markets and applications followed by previews and tendencies per category, for the next 5 years, will be available.