The doors have finally opened for Packaging Innovations and Luxury Packaging London 2016 at London’s Olympia, with the best and brightest of the packaging industry all under one roof, showcasing a vast array of product launches and new show features. The show’s first day has already been labelled a huge success. 

The keynote seminar programme kicked off this morning with Mark Pawsey, MP and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Packaging Manufacturing Group, commenting: “The UK packaging manufacturing industry has a turnover of £11 billion, generating 85,000 jobs, which is 3 percent of the UK’s total manufacturing workforce. This shows just how important the of role packaging is within the UK, and does not get the credit it deserves, so I am here to stand up and say well done.

“Looking around this year’s show it is clear to see just how fantastic the level of innovation on show is. We have innovative products, high end and high quality offerings, which to me shows the industry to be in great health. One of the greatest challenges the packaging industry faces is turning these ideas into mass-market products. Packaging Innovations and Luxury Packaging London 2016 is a fantastic shop window into the future of packaging, but we must ensure all these innovations go on to change the way we work.”

Meanwhile, Ann Dunne, Head of Food Technology and Development at Harrods, has been sharing her insights on emerging trends in the luxury market.  With six distinct customer groups for Harrods to think about – millennials, convenience shoppers, connoisseurs, grocery loyalists, international foodies, plus tourist shoppers -  listening and responding to the customer is crucial: “Across all customers there’s a desire from the consumer for us to be more transparent. In packaging terms that means simplistic, pared back packaging, allowing the brand to be seen.

“In terms of trends we’re seeing more of a craft feel, for instance letter press being used in the wine and spirits field. There’s also a move towards keepsake items, packaging that blends into the home and so can be kept. We’re seeing use of contrasting materials such as woods and metals being used on say a tea caddy, plus there are some interesting trends around size – with smaller sizes coming through in some categories. For instance, vinaigrettes, chutneys, condiments – people want smaller sizes to reflect how they use the products. Similarly, in the beauty industry, with people travelling more and trying a greater variety of creams rather than sticking to one product, so smaller sizes are in demand.”

Innovation has been the trend of day one, with Robynne Willowby, Origami Artist at Nova Entertainment, making origami creations live on the showfloor. She comments: “I had an visitor from Undershirts, come over to us on the Business Point, and enquire about incorporating origami into its packaging. After we created a few simple pieces, we settled on the penguin template. The penguin was taken away to show colleagues how inventive and fresh origami can be, and to analyse where it could fit within its company packaging. One happy customer!”

Visitors to Packaging Innovations and Luxury Packaging London have also been thrilled with the innovation on show. Elzanne Louw, Owner and Designer at Lo Studio, commented on the Innovation Wall, one of the show’s many features: “The Innovation Wall is great. There’s a bit of a theme arising, which is very interesting to see - it is all about looking forward and sustainable packaging. So far the show is meeting all of my industry needs.”    

Tabetha Rudd, Account Manager at Abea, agrees: “There is a lot of innovation on show. The layout is really good this year and I’m finding lots of exhibitors that meet my needs. We’ve already seen so much and we are not even halfway around!”

The show returns to London Olympia tomorrow (15^th September) for its second day with more big name speakers to follow, the London show already looks to be a huge success.