Packaging converters, suppliers and technology developers converged on the UK last week to hear from sector experts and discuss the future success of the global packaging industry at the second Esko Packaging & Label Forum.

Held at Loughborough University’s Science and Enterprise Park, the two-day event saw nearly 100 packaging professionals from across the industry engage in detailed analysis, discussion sessions and training while hearing from a broad range of industry leaders and speakers.

“The world around us is continually changing,” said Jan De Roeck, Esko Director of Marketing, Industry Relations & Strategy. “In order to make our businesses thrive we need to continually adapt – and that means looking to the future.”

Across two days, more than 25 different sessions addressed everything from current market dynamics, new technological innovations and key takeaways from drupa 2024, through to hugely detailed examinations of color management in the context of sustainability and how new job onboarding is streamlining upstream processes. Sessions also included speakers from education institutions discussing the importance of attracting and training future generations of workers in the sector, as well as industry experts discussing the very latest developments in Artificial Intelligence in the context of packaging production.

“We expanded the content program for this Packaging & Label Forum, the second to be held in the UK, and it was heartening to have provided this platform for so many customers, partners and suppliers to congregate and share their experience, concerns and opinions on the issues that are driving our industry,” said De Roeck. “With more breakout sessions, presentations and detailed discussion groups than before, we ensured the event gave attendees the opportunity to closely examine and identify the specific areas that are vital to their own business success.”

The event also gave attendees a chance to experience Esko’s Innovation Lab, which was unveiled at the drupa global expo in Dusseldorf earlier this year. The Innovation Lab experts previewed prototype solutions that are at advanced stages of development, including a new AI-assisted decision-making tool for upstream packaging project specifications.

“The event was a huge success in terms of spotlighting some of the amazing innovations that are already helping accelerate go-to-market for packaged goods, and how converter businesses are continuing their digital transformation journey in order to meet the ever-changing demands of today,” said De Roeck. “What’s more, the forum gave attendees a platform where they could discuss new strategies for growth, to discover tools to drive productivity and even meet potential new partners for exciting collaborations.

“As the global packaging supply chain continues to face challenges, it is crucial that experts and professionals from across the industry come together at events like this to help shape the future of label and packaging production,” he concluded.

The 2024 Packaging and Label Forum was organized by Esko in association with partners including Asahi Kasei, Bobst, CERM, Flint Group, HP, Maxcess, Tharstern and The Grey Elephant.