The World Packaging Organisation (WPO) has started a campaign among its members to check how some countries could best contribute to the crises in China due to the advance of coronavirus.

The immediate result was the mobilisation of Turkey, Lebanon, Palestine and Brazil in finding some suppliers for masks, protective clothing and gloves which it was able to package and export to China.

According to WPO president Pierre Pienaar, the organisation’s attempt is in line with its mission to ‘better quality of life through better packaging for more people’.

WPO is a non-profit international body focused in promoting network that facilitates solutions for global challenges in all areas.

“WPO has significant influence through its global network. After being contacted by our members in China, CEPI (China Nat’l Export Commodities Packaging Research Institute), CPF (China Packaging Federation) and GPC, we decided to take some action,” he said.

 “All efforts worked very well and the immediate demand was satisfied.”

According to WPO Chinese members, local help came from Alibaba that offered fast and safe logistics to distribute the imported items.

 “WPO is not only about packaging; it is also about helping people and/or assisting countries in times of need,” Pienaar added.

“Packaging education is our area of expertise, but packaging is related to almost everything in terms of ensuring the safe delivery of the final item do the customer.”