Trends in the packaging industry and the ever faster changing behaviour of consumers were the overarching themes at the 5th Packaging Inspiration Forum of the PrintCity Alliance on 26 and 27 February 2018 in Hamburg.
The one-and-a-half-day event provided the ideal opportunity to further discuss the topics of the presentations, breakout sessions and the panel discussion. The event set a new record with 150 visitors.
Trends in the packaging industry and consumer behaviour
Social trends are changing at a rapid pace. And it is difficult to recognise what is a real trend and what is just fast-moving hype. This development is being accelerated by the advance of digitalisation. The speakers approached these topics from a wide variety of angles and provided inspiration and food for thought with their presentations. Social changes were just as much a topic as e-commerce, digital printing and new finishing technologies as well as Industry 4.0.
There are no ready-made answers - ideas and options for action for companies only emerge from the discourse of as many different perspectives as possible. The first day of the event was therefore characterised by a Panel discussion rounded off: Which megatrends will have the greatest impact on the packaging industry in the coming years? And how are companies adapting to them?
Record attendance at the 5th Packaging Inspiration Forum
"We are overwhelmed that the event was so well received and that we were able to welcome so many guests," summarises Rainer KuhnManaging Director of PrintCity, summarised the satisfaction of the alliance. "With 150 participants, we even reached the limits of our capacity and were unfortunately unable to accommodate all the registrations".
However, according to the organiser, it was not only the large number but also the good mix of visitors that gave cause for celebration: brand owners, agencies, manufacturers and suppliers were all present in large numbers, so that a wide variety of perspectives could be incorporated into the discussions. This was reflected in the very lively discussions throughout the event and at the networking dinner.
Outlook: 6th Packaging Inspiration Forum in autumn 2019
The next Packaging Inspiration Forum will take place in autumn 2019. The Alliance is considering organising a North and a South event.
