FDBusiness.com

Packaging Innovations, the UK’s leading packaging event, returns to Birmingham’s NEC on 24 & 25 February 2016, alongside Empack and Label&Print, covering the whole packaging spectrum. Visitors can expect to discover an abundance of product launches and new packaging solutions, in addition to a wealth of new show features.

A prestigious line-up of packaging and brand professionals has been unveiled as part of the show’s conference programme, with keynote speakers including SABMiller plc, Innocent Drinks, Britvic, Kraft Heinz, Taylors of Harrogate, John Lewis, Wilkos, JML Group and Quorn Foods.

FMCG Focused Learnshops

The “skills gap” is unarguably one of the biggest threats to modern day workplaces and one of the most hotly debated topics; to explore this challenge a panel of experts will contest ‘Closing the packaging skills gap’. Graham Fox, Packaging Operations Team Leader at Innocent Drinks, among many others, will debate how the packaging needs of food and drink retailers are changing; where is the most pressing need for packaging innovation; and how do skills across the packaging supply chain need to evolve to meet these changing needs?

Food waste is another hot topic, with an estimated 89m tonnes of food being wasted every year in the EU, and expected to rise to around 126m tonnes by 2020. So appropriately, Marcel Keuenhof, Packaging Expert and Waste Reductionist, at Kraft Heinz will be sharing his insights on ‘Combating food waste through packaging’.

The UK’s convenience channel is set to continue as one of the ‘hot channels’ as increasingly packaging needs to be sure it meets the specific needs of this sector. Addressing this, and drawing on his brand experience when it comes to ‘grabbing’ the attention of convenience shoppers, is Adam Margolin, Marketing Director, Retailer, Brand Strategist, Author, and formerly Head of Marketing with SPAR and McColl’s.

Lynn Butterworth, Procurement Manager, at Quintessential Brands will discuss ‘how suppliers can help to drive packaging innovation in brands’. While, Marcus Wilson, Owner of Little Fingers Organic Baby Food Co, who will be interviewed by Kate Fischer, Account Director – Creative at Sun Branding Solutions, will provide real-life insight into the brand and packaging story behind Little Fingers.

Show Features

New for 2016 will be an array of show features, including The Great Innovation Debate, The Innovation Showcase and The Rising Star Scheme. Plus, show favourites including The BIG Print Debate, the Pharmaceutical and Retail Symposiums will all be returning due to popular demand.

The show will also welcome back The Drinks Symposium, after its popular debut last year. It will see expert speakers from Arkikie Highland Estate, Tomatin Distillery, Ballantine’s at Pernod Ricard, PRC and Air Innovations Design Agency exploring the power of packaging.

Exhibition Hall

As always, innovation is set to take centre stage, with numerous exhibitors using the show to present new products and solutions to key decision makers and senior packaging figures. For instance Skanem will be launching its new intelligent labels, which will enable consumers to interact directly with the brand, brand owners and its retailers, using smart phone technology. Skanem will also debut its new peel ‘n’ read label with multicolour pages on the inside.

Roisbros will be launching a new series of boxes for hot & cold food portions, salads and oily products called the Special Delivery series.

For those particularly focused on the food industry, Waddington Europe will be showcasing Hydrozorb (H-PET), its new packaging material with altered characteristics.

For anyone interested in visiting, free registration can be found at www.easyfairs.com/PIUK, www.easyfairs.com/EmpackUK and www.easyfairs.com/Label&PrintUK or via the show team on +44 (0)20 8843 8800 or PackagingUK@easyfairs.com.