Taking packaging to the next level at drupa 2020

Packaging Solutions

Whether it is for food, beverages, healthcare, business or home, the motto is to transform packaging. Changing demographics, more pressure to better serve the environment and accelerations in technical innovation are all shaping a new future for packaging production. Touchpoint packaging initiative’s main goal is to display how innovative printing technologies contribute to the future of packaging.

In this fast changing world, drupa touchpoint packaging will deliver an inspiring and amazing experience to all visitors. During the latest steering committee meeting in December 2018, its members Agfa, Bobst, Danone, Esko, Heidelberg, HP, Kurz, Nestlé, Siegwerk and EPDA (European Packaging Design Association) defined more than 20 projects that will touch upon key issues such as customisation and personalisation, digitalisation, security and authentication.

The aim is to present concepts and the latest knowledge about new packaging production, finishing technologies and substrates – culminating in prototypes that meet the demands and needs of both future consumers as well as brand owners. In addition, the visitor experience will combine physical and non physical packaging elements via augmented reality, virtual reality and digital workflows. Over the 11 days of drupa, visitors will be able to listen to keynotes, attend roundtables, engage with specialists and literally touch the newest and most innovative packaging solutions that enable brand owners, packaging designers and packaging converters to meet the requirements of the next decade.

To extend the already broad range of perspectives that feed into touchpoint packaging, new advanced partners will join the drupa touchpoint packaging initiative including BST Eltromat, Cloudlab, Dalim, EFI, Kodak, Koenig & Bauer, Konica Minolta, Saueressig, Werk II and Merck.

Furthermore, drupa has formalised an agreement with NABA, International Academy of Art, Design and Fashion. A handpicked group of their talented international students will add their insights and creativity to the steering committee member driven projects plus present their own ideas and design concepts for tomorrow’s packaging.

Patrizia Moschella, course leader of graphic design and art direction BA at NABA, is convinced that her students’ involvement is a win-win situation from several viewpoints. ‘It is certainly a great opportunity for the students to both network within the industry as well as to bring in their own fresh, engaging and research based ideas for new packaging solutions.’