Top industry leaders from iconic brands like Unilever, Yves Rocher, LVMH, Colgate-Palmolive, Reckitt, Kering, FFS and Umvin, will unite to reveal exclusive insights and share their expertise on tackling the packaging sector’s most pressing challenges, from sustainability and design to recyclability and the transformative power of AI

Paris, 05/12/2024 – Easyfairs, the organiser of Paris Packaging Week, is set to unveil its highly anticipated conference programme for the January 2025 event. The two-day event promises to deliver unparalleled insights and innovation for professionals in the beauty, luxury, premium drinks, and aerosol packaging sectors. The conference will feature four key stages: the Circular Economy Stage, Future Innovation Forum, Pentawards Festival stage, and the Global Aerosol & Dispensing Summit, each addressing the industry's most urgent challenges.

Circular Economy Stage: navigating sustainability and regulatory challenges

The Circular Economy Stage, sponsored by DOW, will address key sustainability and regulatory challenges in the packaging industry. Two keynote speakers will present opposing views on the future of plastics: one advocating for “deplastifying” industries, while the other argues plastics’ indispensable role and sustainable potential. Highlights include a debate on the 2025 European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and a presentation from the Circular Economy Committee (CEC) on its roadmap for advancing reuse in the drinks sector and fostering a circular economy. Industry leaders such as Colgate-Palmolive, Unilever, and Kering Beauty, along with institutions like EUROPEN, FEBEA, and Citeo, will provide diverse insights into recyclability, regulations, and innovation, offering attendees a comprehensive view of packaging’s landscape.

Alexandra Ferré, Head of Impact and CSR at Yves Rocher, who will participate in the roundtable discussion on "At a Crossroads: The Heritage, Industrialisation, and Future of Responsible Cosmetics Packaging," expressed her enthusiasm: “Packaging today—its purpose, relationship with the product, and broader impacts—stands at a crossroads. Balancing tradition with the drive for modernity, its future is shaped by the ecological imperative. I look forward to this roundtable, where we’ll explore the paths packaging can take, focusing on the collective transformation where creativity, sustainability, and circularity converge to shape the future.”

Future Innovation Forum: unveiling the next generation of packaging technologies

The Future Innovation Forum will explore the cutting-edge technologies and materials shaping the future of packaging. Highlights include a debate on the power of colour with Merci Handy’s Louis Marty, followed by Dr. Gordon Pleyers on how visual complexity influences consumer perception. The forum will also feature discussions on how AI’s can revolutionize packaging with experts from brand owners, consulting agencies and AI experts. The Future Leaders class of 2025 panel on Tuesday will showcase ten inspiring young innovators sharing their transformative ideas for the packaging industry.

Pentawards Festival Stage: pushing the boundaries of packaging design

Curated by the Pentawards, the world's leading packaging design competition, the Pentawards Festival Stage will focus on design, branding, and consumer trends for the coming year. Keynotes include Kevin Marshall, Senior Director of Design at Microsoft, sharing insights on inclusive design, and discussions on Haleon’s work with Advil and Coca-Cola’s approach to intentional, sustainable design. Additional highlights will include Diageo’s approach to lower-carbon packaging, Nestlé’s multisensory brand experiences, and innovative branding from Johnnie Walker and Carrefour.

Global Aerosol & Dispensing Summit: innovating for sustainability and performance

Presented in partnership with the European Aerosol Federation (FEA), the Global Aerosol & Dispensing Summit will address sustainability and innovation in the aerosol sector. Key sessions will explore carbon-negative DME from unrecyclable plastic waste, CO2 as a sustainable propellant, and the European Commission’s evolving approach to sustainability in aerosols. Thought leaders from International associations, Henkel, Tata Steel and Suez will discuss advancements in performance and environmental responsibility.

Christelle Anya, Content and Community Director at Paris Packaging Week, said: "We’ve worked hard to enhance the conference experience this year by listening closely to market needs. Our goal is to present timely, relevant topics with top-tier speakers who will offer insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of packaging. We’re excited for these discussions to unfold and to provide a comprehensive vision for the packaging industry."

Paris Packaging Week will feature four dynamic showcases: ADF for aerosol and dispensing, PCD for beauty and personal care, PLD for premium drinks, and Packaging Première for luxury brands. With even more speakers and events to be announced, and a sold-out exhibition floor hosting over 840 exhibitors, this year’s event is set to be the largest Paris Packaging Week yet.

Visitors can view the full conference programme and register for a free ticket at www.parispackagingweek.com.