Leaders in design join London Packaging Week seminar programme

Packaging Solutions

The unresolved topic surrounding the future of the packaging industry and how brands can respond to increasingly demanding consumers will be front and centre during London Packaging Week’s expert seminar programme.

Amongst those taking to the stage to tackle these subjects will be design and innovation leaders from Nestlé, Butterfly Cannon, Win Agency, Good by Design Studio, and Hunter Luxury.

With three new stage concepts, visitors will gain tangible advice throughout both days of the event when it takes place for the first time on 21 and 22 September at London Olympia.

The Luxury Unboxed Stage

Industry thought leaders will explore the future landscape of luxury design in fashion, jewellery, and fine foods, and look at how the global economy may, or may not, impact consumer expectations.

Brand experience will be the topic of conversation when Anna Weinrich, senior strategy manager, and Joerg Rhoden, senior consultant, at Win Agency, share their insights on how current crises like Covid, economic and political tensions, and climate change are affecting the meaning of luxury. With inspiring examples, Anna and Joerg will reveal how narrative and consumer centric design will enable brands to have a more purpose driven approach.

With packaging under the microscope more than ever before, Becky Stones, founder and creative director at Good by Design Studio, will share how brands can ensure their luxury packaging is sustainable, functional, and circular whilst remaining true to brand image.

Also joining the stage will be sessions by Elmwood, Hunter Luxury, Echo, and Stylus.

Beauty and Drinks Innovators Stage

Visitors can engage with the future beauty and luxury drinks packaging strategies set to change the way we experience products.

Lifestyles are set to shift dramatically by rapid evolutions in society, climate change, and technology. Michael Nolte, senior vice president, creative director at Beauty Streams, will discuss the macro movements within the beauty industry and how brands need to adapt to provide solutions to consumers.

Technological change is happening at a rapid pace and consumers are looking to connect in more meaningful ways. Rob Hollands, managing director at SharpEnd, will explore how one of the most underutilised media channels, connected packaging, presents a huge opportunity to brands.

Also joining the stage will be sessions by WRAP, Butterfly Cannon, Morrama, and Beauty Kitchen.

Food and FMCG Future Makers Stage

Speakers will explore the future of household goods and the wider packaging industry amidst upcoming changes to retail and FMCGs through a series of cross-pollinating panel discussions.

With consumers no longer accepting brands who are half hearted in their efforts to cater to all, Stefan Casey, innovation lead at Nestlé, will discuss the next generation of smart packaging and the opportunity it presents brands needing to create truly inclusive experiences.

The reuse answer to sustainability is still to be fully explored, although steps have been made towards improvement. To take this to the next level, Catherine Conway, founder of Unpackaged, will share the opportunities reuse and refill approaches present brands.

DEFRA will also deliver a workshop on extended producer responsibility (EPR) on day two of the show. The session will cover who needs to take action, what needs to be done, and the process of collecting and submitting packaging data. Visitors will be able to ask questions to gain practical advice on navigating the new scheme.

Also joining the stage will be sessions by Neil Farmer, Hubbub, the Packhub, and Appetite Creative.

Josh Brooks, marketing and community director for Easyfairs’ Packaging Events, commented: ‘The seminar programme at London Packaging Week has been designed to help brands navigate the rapid changes we are experiencing right now and increasingly demanding consumers. Across the three stages, innovation and design pioneers will share advice and insight to how both luxury and FMCG brands can continue to meet consumer expectations, whilst balancing the need for sustainability and financial viability, without compromising on brand identity. Through these curated sessions, visitors will leave armed with actionable advice ready to tackle the next evolution of packaging.’