Premium Beauty News - Packaging Innovations is now in its tenth edition. Can you tell us more about the show?
Alison Church - The event has grown extensively over the years with dedicated areas for sustainable packaging and contract packing. And with the editions of the co-located shows Empack and Label&Print, the event really is the only one of its kind in the UK. It is also the largest event in the UK covering the whole packaging supply chain. You can come to the show and see the latest innovations in print, sustainable packaging, materials, design, machinery and equipment plus much more. There is something for everyone at any stage of their packaging process! For any packaging professional looking for new products, solutions, suppliers or even just some inspiration, Packaging Innovations, Empack and Label&Print is the place to be.
Premium Beauty News - What does Packaging Innovations look like this year?
Alison Church - Well, what can I say? It’s packed to the brim with product launches and innovations! I must admit I am very excited to walk the aisles and view all the latest developments in the market.
This year we have the Innovation Gallery showcasing the very best innovations at the show hand-picked by a panel of industry experts. There will be some great developments in design, decoration, materials, sustainability and durability for cosmetics packaging all on display.
The show is packed with leading exhibitors supplying packaging to the cosmetics industry such as Measom Freer, G.F Smith, HH Deluxe, Global Closure Systems, Selectpackaging Ltd, Future Pak, Promens, Dieter Bakic, PET Power, Aptar Beauty + Home plus many more.
We also have dedicated clinics for one-to-one advice on any aspect of your packaging cycle. Whether you are looking for carton, recycling or general guidance on packaging production there will be an expert on hand to give you tailored advice!
Premium Beauty News - There is also a programme of free educational content concurrent to the exhibition, with about 50 seminars.
Alison Church - Yes, we have a very comprehensive Learnshops seminar programme at the event. The exhibition isn’t just about networking, meeting new suppliers and finding new products, but also about gaining valuable knowledge to take back to the workplace. We have five theatres packed with educational content. This year we have Mondelēz, Nestlé, M&S and GÜ Puds speaking. We also have dedicated symposiums for the retail, pharmaceutical and drinks markets featuring representatives from Diageo, Glenfiddich and The Co-operative.
And on top of that we have interactive sessions in the form of an Ask the Experts feature where the audience can interact and get real answers from branding and packaging experts. Craig-Alexander Wilson, Head of Strategic Development at Fake Bake will be taking part and revealing the secrets behind the Fake Bake brand. Talking in detail about, ’Taking a concept and producing a successful and aspirational brand’. This is a not-to-be missed session for anyone in the beauty market!
Premium Beauty News - How is the British packaging market evolving, in particular the prestige packaging market?
Alison Church - The British packaging market is constantly evolving, it never stands still and this is definitely most evident in the luxury and premium markets. The packaging of a luxury item is almost as important as the product itself inside the pack. Where companies were looking to cut costs during the recession, the luxury and prestige goods markets were creating even more luxurious and eye-catching packs. The packaging of a luxury product isn’t just to protect what is inside, but has to persuade the consumer to part with more money and has to represent the quality of the product.
Prestige packaging is also moving towards ‘the all round experience’, trying to play on all of the senses, rather than simply focussing purely on the look and feel. It is becoming a common occurrence to find that sound and smells are intertwined within the packaging experience, introducing a whole new aspect to the industry. This may not be entirely new, but it is very much growing in popularity as an important consideration to all premium and luxury brands.
