93 FERIAS I TRADE FAIRS & EVENTS plastic, material innovations, recyclables and compostables, digitalization, AI solutions, ecommerce packaging, and transportation. Some of the featured speakers included Anne Guillou (L’Oréal) and Jean-Marc Fontaine (Spice, Quantis-BCG), who discussed reuse and refills; Hannah Drew (Aldi), Hans Van Bochove (Heineken), Michael Hahl (Bosch), and Annica Eldh (H&M), who participated in a roundtable discussion on how to promote sustainable packaging from major brands and retailers, moderated by Marco Macoratti (Mondi); and Marta Mendonca (Porto Protocol), who presented the Unpacking Wine guide, which uses real-world examples to help minimize the environmental impact of wine packaging. Alessandro d’Agostino (Mondi) and Ferran Vaqué (Proquimia) explained the example of Esselt Eco’s sustainable packaging; Dr. Afsaneh Nabifar (BASF), Roger Wright (Biffa), and Elodie Bugnicourt (Graphic Packaging International) discussed compostable packaging in a panel moderated by Claudia Ames (Ceres Waste); Peter Woodwin (The Cup Collective), Yaseed Chaumoo (Greyparrot), Alexander Reitz (PreZero), Mark Roberts (Amcor), and Dr. Daniel Schwaab (Tomra) debated disruptive technologies in the packaging industry in a panel moderated by Andy Grant (Eunomia)... Market Trends Adam Page, Vice President Reports Smithers, offered an insightful perspective on the packaging sector’s outlook during Sustainability in Packaging Europe. Some of the ideas he raised were: • Packaging is a multi-billion dollar market and highly resilient. • Innovation, with a strong focus on convenience, is driving the market. • Ultra-fast delivery is becoming the new normal, and retailers are investing in logistics to accelerate it. • Consumers want products intact, protected in a safe environment, and in perfectly sized packaging. • Regulations like PPWR are impacting the sector, as is already being seen in multipack bundling (examples: replacing plastic with cardboard or glue dots). • Brands are switching to sustainable packaging materials, such as mycelium and molded pulp for protective packaging, stretch paper made from wood fibers, and shrink film made from compostable bioplastic polymers. Convenience, regulations, and changes in the supply chain are forcing brands to rethink sustainable packaging, both in terms of secondary and protective packaging. Sustainability in Packaging Europe will return to Barcelona from October 6 to 8, 2026. Adam Page, Vice President Reports Smithers.
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