ADF&PCD and PLD Paris is now a key trade show for packaging professionals?
Josh Brook - ADF&PCD and PLD Paris offers an absolute focus on innovation and provides a vision of the future of packaging for everyone. Targeting the niche markets of beauty, aerosols and dispensing, and since 2020, premium beverages, it is the benchmark event in packaging. Talks, Awards, exhibitor stands - innovation is everywhere. Our visitors and exhibitors alike know that this event is much more than a showcase, it’s a place for meetings and exchanges where projects come to life. Clients and their teams come with their objectives set for real projects to be carried out.
The event has a friendly atmosphere, which facilitates connections and networking. It is held in Paris, the world’s capital for luxury and beauty industries, so it is close to where brands are located. Decision-makers in marketing, packaging and purchasing do not miss this event, which takes place right on their doorstep. Finally, let’s not forget that this is the first event of the year: it sets the tone for the months to come and launches the dynamics of creativity and business.
What are the main themes of the 2022 edition?
Christelle Anya - These three events, which are fully complementary, are focused on innovations and market trends. The main themes that we will be addressing through our programme will be mainly oriented towards eco-responsibility, a key issue for brands and consumers alike. We will highlight material innovation, PCR, alternatives to plastic, sustainable solutions, and progress and challenges around recyclability in the cosmetics industry. We will also address the latest trends in terms of design, production, digitalisation, e-commerce, sampling, intelligent packaging, refill, and 3D printing... which are at the heart of companies’ ambitions.
And the highlights?
Christelle Anya - The ADF&PCD and PLD Innovation Awards ceremonies are amongst the most eagerly awaited moments of the event. These are highly respected prizes, overseen by prestigious and impartial jury panels. The awards offer exceptional visibility to the participating companies and is a springboard for many of them. Over the years we have seen a real buzz around the Awards, with entries from all continents across the globe. This year will mark the first face-to-face PLD Innovation Awards.
In addition, of course, there are the other inspiring highlights that make ADF&PCD and PLD Paris such a success: the conferences and round tables featuring the best experts in the sector, the prestigious Pentawards gallery, the networking events and the guided tours.
What will be new in this 2022 edition?
Josh Brook - We are strengthening the innovation aspect with a new gallery dedicated to the Awards and key trends of the coming year, as well as the presentation of student projects. Visitors will be able to see the innovations imagined by ESEPAC and ESP students on the eco-design of ultra-luxury perfumes (a competition sponsored by Estée Lauder), as well as, for the first time, innovation projects by ESI Reims students. This first edition of the Talents Challenge is initiated once again by Easyfairs, in partnership with the school, and sponsored by Shiseido and Huda Beauty. We will create or improve networking and relaxation areas such as the VIP Lounge, the Cocktail Bar and the Champagne Bar.
What also sets the 2022 edition apart is that it goes beyond the timeframe of the exhibition and relies on online events. The pre-show webinars are designed to highlight new products that should not be missed, which will help suppliers and brands to plan their visit. All of our online events over the past few months (Digital Days, Innovation Talks, awards ceremonies, etc.) have helped to connect, inform and inspire our community.
The exhibition is highly anticipated after a 2021 edition held online!
Josh Brook - Although the health context did not prevent virtual meetings, we could not physically look and feel the packaging and materials on display, and this physical aspect is of major importance in our market.
We see great willingness on the part of both suppliers and brands to return to events and to meet face-to-face again. So the feeling is quite positive, quite confident, and we look forward to bringing this community together again in January.
