Unwrapping: The Evolution of Eco-Design in Packaging

Ikea is a world-leading home furnishing retailer. For more than 40 years, Canadians have welcomed IKEA into their homes, and have been strong supporters of the IKEA brand, product range and its vision “to create a better everyday life for the many people”. In her role, Heléne is responsible for the integration and implementation of the IKEA People & Planet Positive sustainability strategy. She leads the climate-positive, people-focused agenda across all Canadian markets and customer meeting points, including stores and fulfillment units. She also facilitates locally relevant community collaborations that further the brand’s sustainability ambitions and goals.

Heléne brings nearly two decades of diverse experience from across the IKEA organization to her current role having held leadership roles in Sweden, China and Canada. She is regarded for her leadership and drive for continuous improvement. She holds a Master of Science from Sweden’s Lund University and currently lives in Edmonton, Alberta.

Marie-France Gibson’s career spans 30+ years in the food industry. She holds a master’s degree in marketing from HEC Montreal, a CPA designation and has held many senior executive positions across diverse functional roles related to development of retail concepts, brand development, category management and marketing. Since joining Metro in 2010, Marie-France has overhauled the entire private label portfolio, including brand standards, product formulations, and packaging design. In the past 2 years, the combination of all her team’s initiatives has led to a double-digit sales growth and an increase in market share, outperforming the market.
This year again, under her leadership, the PL team won several recognitions at RCC Gala Award 2023. They were also recognized with a DUX Award for their Eco conception for the Irresistible Greek yogurt and SKYR yogurt packaging.
Marie-France is also a very active member within the retail industry representing Metro and generously sharing her industry and private label expertise.

Geneviève Dionne has been a member of Éco Entreprises Québec’s (ÉEQ) team since 2010, and is the architect behind the packaging eco-design and circular economy team. Over the years, her expertise has served as part of several initiatives, such as ÉEQ’s Packaging ecodesign resources for businesses, as well as major projects like this documentary, a book and a creative design competition. Ms. Dionne has regular invitations as a guest speaker to share her insights on packaging eco-design, recyclability and the transformation of business practices. She holds a Bachelor in Industrial Design and a Master in Applied Sciences from the Faculty of Planning at University of Montréal. She also has a graduate diploma specializing in Management and Sustainable Development from HEC Montréal and is a visiting professor at the University of Montréal’s School of Industrial Design.

Stéphane supports organizations seeking to create a brand image rooted in a deep understanding of consumers, product categories and culture. His curiosity, analytical skills, innovation and extensive knowledge of the challenges and opportunities for brands have enabled him to develop leading and insightful expertise.

He has more than 25 years’ experience in food marketing, brand strategy and communications. Building on his firm belief that creating brand value will necessarily generate returns on invest­ments, he relies on his awareness of consumption patterns and purchasing decision processes to shape ideas that make a difference.

A creative and a visionary, he has contributed to the success of clients including Cavendish Farms, Montpak (Famille Fontaine), Nutrinor, Danone, Nortera (Del Monte, Arctic Gardens), Unibroue (Sleeman), Royale, Dainty, GoGo Quinoa and St-Hubert Détail.