The much-anticipated London Packaging Week 2024 kicked off at ExCeL London, drawing industry leaders and innovators who are lauding the event for its focus on sustainable solutions and groundbreaking innovations that promise to shape the future of packaging.

The doors to the highly anticipated London Packaging Week 2024 opened, and many in attendance have already declared the two-day event a resounding success.

Held at the iconic ExCeL International Convention Centre in London, this year's event gathered more than 190 exhibitors, thousands of industry professionals, and an impressive array of innovative products and solutions that are set to shape the future of packaging.

The event brought together leaders, innovators, and decision-makers across the packaging supply chain, including the beauty, luxury, food, drink, and FMCG sectors. Organisers Easyfairs are already suggesting that visitor numbers look likely to swell once again following an impressive turnout 12 months prior.

Beth Tweddle, who got the event's impressive conference programme underway, took visitors through her story as one of Great Britain's most successful gymnasts with three gold medals. Drawing on her experience in elite sports and first-hand knowledge of professional heartbreak turned into triumph; Beth emphasised the value of perseverance and commitment.

"The lessons from my time as a gymnast have helped shape my life in business," she said. "They gave me the tools to overcome obstacles and challenges, which is something we can all take note of in our personal and professional lives to help achieve our dreams."

Mike Banister, CEO of Hunter Luxury and sponsor of the event's VIP and media lounges, said: "We're delighted to be official sponsors of London Packaging Week 2024, profiling our brand refresh and B Corp certified status. The setup here at the ExCeL is really impressive and allows us the space to promote and network directly with a quality audience."

"It's our first time here," said Andy Johnson, Commercial Director of Sun Branding and sponsor of the Food & Consumer Pack stage. "We've enjoyed some good conversations and great networking, with lots of people scanning at the desk."

Cory Connors, Director of Sustainable Packaging at Orora Packaging Solutions, highlighted the event's strong focus on sustainability. "Walking through London Packaging Week 2024, it's clear that the future of packaging lies in sustainable solutions," he observed. This sentiment was echoed by Harriet Lamb, CEO of WRAP, who noted the tangible shift towards sustainability across the exhibition.

"It's inspiring to see so many exhibitors showcasing practical examples of sustainable packaging," Harriet said. "The commitment to addressing the big sustainability challenges of our time is evident throughout the event, with numerous innovations designed to reduce environmental impact while meeting industry needs."

Picking up on that trend, Michelle Atkinson, Senior Global Breakthrough Innovation Lead – Sustainable Solutions at Diageo, described the growing need to evolve the perception of luxury packaging to new formats and constructions engineered to be sustainable.

"Lightweighting, recycled content, and switching to aluminium cans are examples of the types of things that we, as an industry, must do to make sustainable packaging more accepted and widely adopted," she said.

Each of these is demonstrated at London Packaging Week 2024 across various exhibitors' stands.

Michelle added that the industry needs to take greater responsibility for driving the adoption of sustainable packaging. "No consumer actively seeks to act unsustainable," she continued. "So it is incumbent upon us as an industry to increase the availability of sustainable options and make it as easy as possible for consumers to act responsibly."

This trend is evidenced by the move from plastics to paper, as identified by Sarah Fowler, Senior Product Manager – Luxury Packaging & Technical Solutions at Fedrigoni.

"This is a major trend and a strategic pillar for us as a company," she said. "It is worth noting that this part of the market is still developing. We are on a journey and are demonstrating a commitment to people and the planet through packaging."

James Montero McColl, Senior Marketing Manager at Easyfairs UK, said: "Day one has gone remarkably well. Brands are here, meeting exhibitors, the stages are full, and people are learning. The AI feature has been very well received, showing where the technology will fit into the future of packaging.

"The display areas have been packed throughout the day, and one of the big things our audience asked for was innovation, which the display areas have really brought to life."

Tanguy Pellen, Senior Partner at Starbek Associates, said: "What I get from events like this is the human element—the connections and discussions with people shaping the future. It's about connecting with thought leaders, vendors, and entrepreneurs, sharing ideas, and finding inspiration. The most fundamental element of all this is the human connection. The human element drives projects forward and brings new ideas to life. These events are valuable for showcasing the future and enabling the connections that make it all possible."

London Packaging Week 2024 will once again set the bar for innovation, sustainability, and collaboration within the packaging industry. The gathering at ExCeL London showcases cutting-edge products and solutions and fosters meaningful connections and discussions that will undoubtedly influence the future of packaging.