The event, which will take place on 14-15 September, is set to host a range of product launches and new features, including what Easyfairs event director Gerry Sherwood highlights as one of this year’s star attractions, The Dieline Conference.
This two-day conference is LA-based design and packaging industry brand expert The Dieline’s first ever conference outside the US.
It will feature panels and talks on packaging and branding from both major and emerging brands, packaging suppliers and design agencies while experts from companies including Coca-Cola, Hershey’s and Wagamama will discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise when designing for a major brand.
“This is the first time The Dieline have brought their content to the UK, so it’s not something that visitors will see anywhere else. There’s going to be some really inspirational stuff there,” says Sherwood.
Also new to the event this year are The Starpack Awards, which will take place on the show’s second day from 12.15pm to 3pm in the Keynote Theatre. The awards scheme, which is in its 58th year but being hosted at Packaging Innovations for the first time, aims to identify innovation in packaging, design and technology and recognise invention, environmental impact and functionality.
Returning features include The Drinks Symposium, The Great Innovation Debate, The Innovation Wall, The Beauty Forum – which has been rebranded – and a range of free-to-attend Learnshop seminars.
“We’re also trying to encourage more networking this year, partly at the end of seminar sessions but on the main networking bar we’re holding what we’re calling huddles; structured but informal networking sessions,” says Sherwood.
“It might be a subject-based session or it might be sector-based, for example catering for people in drinks.”
Almost two-thirds of exhibitors are set to launch new products, services and upgrades at the show.
KTEC Group will present the LX500e Color Label Printer, its new desktop colour label and tag printer, Gruppo Cordenons will debut its high quality graphic paper, AstroKing, and API will present its new brand enhancement creative service and holographic foils.
Other key launches will include James Cropper’s first ever food contact-approved stock range of paper and Richmond Containers’ new range of metal shell closure caps and off the shelf gloss and matt lids for the beauty and skincare market.
Roland DG will offer a full packaging prototype workflow that it says will reduce the time required from concept to production, making it suitable for businesses looking to move into the packaging mock-up field for the first time.
Roland DG business manager for commercial print Mat Drake says: “Bringing prototyping in-house without sacrificing space or time can provide a whole new stream of profits for the packaging industry – and that’s something worth tapping into.”
Sherwood expects to see a lot of industry firsts as, he notes, is par for the course at the London event.
“The show is a proven ground for a lot of new innovation and new techniques in packaging because brands are prepared to invest more in luxury packaging.
“Even if you’re not involved in luxury packaging, it’s really worth coming along to see what’s being trialled. Things quite often get tested and tried at the luxury end and then filter down to everywhere else.”
SEMINAR HIGHLIGHTS
Keynote Theatre
Wednesday 14 September
11.30-12.30 The Great Innovation Debate
13.30-14.00 Packaging for the future through VIP Partnership, Helen Nickells, Young’s Seafood
14.30-16.00 The Beauty Forum
Thursday 15 September
10.30-12.10 The Drinks Symposium
12.15-15.00 The Starpack Awards
Dieline Theatre
Wednesday 14 September
10.45-11.15 Design fearlessly - Olympic ready in 72 hours, Ron Burrage, Hershey’s
13.45-14.15 ‘I’d like to buy the world a vitaminwater’, Alex Center, Coca-Cola
15.15-15.45 Panel discussion: Challenges, opportunities and the elevation of design’s role in modern business
Thursday 15 September
12.00-12.30 Wagamama - using human-centric design thinking to revolutionise a restaurant icon’s takeaway experience, Mike Beauchamp, Pearlfisher and Andre Johnstone, Wagamama
14.45-15.15 Panel discussion: Challenges, opportunities and the elevation of design’s role in modern business
Packaging News Theatre
Wednesday 14 September
11.00-11.30 Branded consumer goods packaging market: innovations, opportunities and new materials, Neil Farmer, Neil Farmer Associates
12.00-12.30 The emerging trends in the prestige and luxury markets, Ann Dunne, Harrods
14.00-14.30 Panel discussion: The future of creative packaging
Thursday 15 September
11.00-11.30 The seven essential elements packaging departments must embrace to create value, Alison Vincent, AVA Packaging Solutions
14.00-14.30 How your choice of material has an impact on sustainability, Jessica Tommila, Iggesund Paperboard
To register for the free-to-attend event, visit bit.ly/PacInvLon16
