Optimism, curiosity and caution... is that 2022 wrapped up?

Hard to believe we are at the back end of 2022.

Yet, 2022 has been a year filled with all sorts, so maybe it's not so hard to imagine that it has gone pretty quickly.

But it is probably safe to say that most entered 2022 with a mix of optimism, curiosity and caution, as well as feelings of frustration.

After a couple of years of COVID lockdown and restrictions, there were glimpses of hope that 2022 would finally see the easing of those restrictions and COVID.

There were also hopes that Supply Chains would get back to some normality and that organizations would be able to fulfil a backlog of containers and orders, after a couple of years of bottlenecks, delays, labour shortages and empty shelves.

The back half of 2022 felt a little less optimistic for most, as rising costs and inflation continued to steal headlines.

At this point, it's starting to feel a little less positive.

So let's flip the script and ask the question "What were some of the positives in 2022?"

COVID restrictions as a whole did seem to ease from 2021.

In New Zealand, we finally saw the full reopening of the borders meaning family, friends and businesses could reconnect!

And this "reconnecting" felt like a boost of confidence amongst the business network as it also meant we could look to ditch some of the Zoom and Video calls that dominated much of 2020 and 2021, for some much needed "in person" coffee catch ups.

Another positive was a real sense of wanting to collaborate. I felt there was a new sense and appreciation of wanting to help each other out after a couple of years of being isolated, and I was fortunate enough to collaborate with some wonderful human beings in 2022.

From an industry perspective, I felt Sustainable Packaging was once again being talked about in a positive manner, and heading towards more collaboration and innovative ways to solve some of the challenges in this space.

This was evident in a workshop held by Circularity and Plastics New Zealand that I attended and showcased the willingness to tackle some "hard-to-solve" problems ????

Finally, from a personal perspective, 2022 meant a return back to the Packaging world after a couple of years of exploring different industries.

Since returning, it has been an absolute pleasure seeing the drive in critical areas mentioned above like sustainable packaging and working towards a circular economy.

The talent and drive of some of the groups and individuals making positive changes in this area are phenomenal and gives me plenty of confidence heading into 2023 that our industry will continue to make positive changes.

So to conclude, lots of things have happened in 2022.

Some good, some not so good. But I'm a big believer in learning and having a positive mindset to help overcome the challenges that continue to linger, as well new ones that I'm sure will surface in 2023.

For those who have continued to support my journey, work and given me the opportunities to reconnect and collaborate, THANK YOU!

I wish you all a fantastic and safe holiday season with friends and family and a prosperous 2023!

Till next time/year :-)

Michael Basagre