London Packaging Week, organised by Easyfairs, has triumphantly declared its recent move to the ExCeL as a monumental success, drawing in record-breaking visitor numbers and accolades from participants.
The event, which debuted at London's Olympia event centre the previous year, has transitioned to the international exhibition and convention centre located on the northern quay of the Royal Victoria Dock.
Expanding horizons with four dynamic exhibitions
London Packaging Week 2023 now boasts four distinct exhibitions, each catering to specialised sectors of the packaging industry. These exhibitions include:
- Packaging Première: Catering to the luxury products market.
- PCD: Focused on perfume, make-up, and toiletries.
- PLD: Centred around premium and luxury drinks.
- Food & Consumer Pack: Dedicated to food and everyday packaging.
James Montero MacColl, Senior Marketing Manager for Easyfairs, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Hosting London Packaging Week at ExCeL this year has been amazing. Our content and speaker programme have truly distinguished us as a major event in the packaging industry.
“The quality of the visitors has exceeded expectations, and exhibitors are thrilled. We've already secured a substantial number of re-bookings, and our year-on-year growth of 50% is nothing short of sensational. We initially had concerns about the venue change, but the transition to ExCeL has been met with resounding success."
A shift towards beauty, functionality, and sustainability
In line with the evolving packaging landscape, this year's theme at London Packaging Week was clear: packaging should be beautiful, functional, and sustainable – ideally, all three.
Paul Jenkins, a packaging expert from ThePackHub, noted:
"We've witnessed a seismic change in the presentation of packaging. Current packaging trends revolve around sustainability, with an emphasis on reducing the environmental footprint of packaging.
“The packaging industry's creativity is astounding; it extends far beyond the role of a mere vessel for goods. The industry is tirelessly working on innovative solutions, as evident in the presentations by designers at the show. London Packaging Week is a must-attend event to witness the latest innovations and design developments."
Innovation showcase highlights cutting-edge products
The Innovation Showcase at London Packaging Week featured a myriad of innovative products. Standout examples included Flexi-Hex's 'Window Box' bottle packaging, Güneş Boxes & Packaging's five-layer rigid pyramid-shaped chocolate box, and Eviosys' inclusive packaging featuring micro-embossed braille indications and a QR code area.
Adam Ryan, Head of Pentawards, remarked:
"The packaging industry is currently in an exciting phase, driven by various factors. While sustainability has been a prominent topic in recent years, accessibility and inclusive design have emerged as the next big priorities.
“The focus has shifted from aesthetically pleasing packaging to purpose-driven designs, a trend evident throughout the London Packaging Week exhibition."
Montero MacColl added, "London Packaging Week provides an environment for brands to explore packaging alternatives and innovations, fostering collaboration with exhibitors. We are thrilled to have welcomed industry giants like Greggs, Innocent Juice, Unilever, PZ Cussons, Superdrug, and Lush.
“We aimed to return to pre-COVID numbers and elevate the event's proposition, and I believe we have succeeded. Looking ahead, we plan to move the event to a Wednesday and Thursday format next year, allowing for further expansion. Our focus remains on both quantity and quality, ensuring that visitors engage, invest, and collaborate with our exhibitors."
Ultimately, London Packaging Week 2023 has firmly established itself as a pinnacle event in the packaging industry, showcasing sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity as the driving forces of the future.
As the industry continues to evolve, this event serves as a vital platform for networking, learning, and forging the path ahead.
