A practical look at how packaging can be designed for the full lifecycle, from sourcing to end-of-life. We’ll explore material trade-offs, integration of recycled content, and the small design details that impact recyclability and long-term compliance.
About
Innovation and business resilience
This conference connects packaging experts, innovators, decisionmakers, waste management operators, brands, and retailers who are tired of surface-level sustainability talk and industry echo chambers. We’ll discuss how companies are scaling packaging innovation for long-term value creation, exploring the landscape of solutions that meet compliance, consumers, and business needs. Expect less jargon and more case studies and practical solutions.
This year's themes
Material and design choices
Packaging as an asset
How packaging decisions across the value chain influence efficiency, brand perception, and customer experience. From labelling to logistics, aligning systems can improve transparency, reduce waste, and strengthen consumer trust.
The opportunities in compliance
We’ll explore how the evolving regulatory landscape is reshaping markets, and how companies can stay ahead. We’ll discuss EPR in the US, global trends, and the infrastructure needed to support compliance through investment, cross-industry collaboration, and practical implementation.
Innovation for business resilience
Innovation in materials, data, technology and operations can deliver real business value. During the two days, we’ll focus on best practice and pathways to scale: from how to navigate internal buy-in for innovation, to identifying which emerging tools and solutions are truly fit for purpose.
What sets this event apart
Off the record
Held under the Chatham House rule to promote candid conversation that drives real progress. The hard questions, uncomfortable truths and reality of mistakes.
No PowerPoint or scripts
No presentations, no jargon, no scripted panels: this is a space for genuine dialogue. All sessions are structured for dynamic discussion and audience participation.
Networking that works
We cap attendance to ensure an intimate forum that brings together the right stakeholders. Every conversation is relevant. Every meeting is valuable. And every connection matters.
Practical, hands-on format
You won’t be sat in a large room listening for two days. There’s a major focus on audience participation, interaction and problem solving. Come prepared with questions, ideas, solutions and be ready to get involved.
Event format
Audience led
Every session is driven by the challenges, questions and opinions in the audience. This structure ensures a focus on real world problem solving and the realities on the ground.
Interactive roundtables
Small group discussions that take a deep dive into very focused topics. Each table is led by a facilitator to keep the conversation on track, while participants share ideas, experiences, challenges and solutions.
Practical case studies
Real world case studies where speakers are encouraged to share the good, the bad and the ugly. An opportunity to learn from your peers what works, and what doesn’t.
Solution hubs
Our breakout sessions are built for participation, combining best practices from leading organizations with tangible insights to apply in your work. Each Solution hub includes a 25-minute panel to set the context, followed by expert-led workshops for deeper discussion on the topic at hand.
Fireside chats
Hear from leading experts and businesses. We’re all working towards the same goals. This is a chance to take stock and to take inspiration, ideas and energy for the year ahead.
Advisory group
Patrick Shewell
Mondelēz International
Director Global Packaging Sustainability
David Clark
Amcor
Chief Sustainability Officer
Linda Roman
Kraft Heinz
Director of Packaging, R&D North American Fellow
Marco Volpi
Nestlé
Global Packaging Data Lead
Sarah Kircher
Novolex
Vice President of Sustainability
Tom Szaky
TerraCycle
CEO
Dave Lütkenhaus
Global Sustainability, Innovation, and Transformation Executive
Aisha Stenning
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Business Action Lead - Plastics
Knowledge Partner
Impact Partners
Who attends
Everyone in the room contributes a piece to the puzzle of solutions. We create a space for genuine connection, grounded in exchange of expertise.
"Very insightful and impactful forum, allowing for good conversations. The topics covered were very relevant, the absence of PowerPoints made discussions very interactive, and my objectives to learn and network were met."
Packaging Development Director
Thai Union Group
"I was looking to network, have a honest overview of other parts of the industry, and get inspired. I really liked the open format, without slides and lots of time to ask questions, giving the audience the opportunity to contribute to each session."
Global Future of Packaging Strategy Manager
Pepsi Lipton
"A super interesting and well-rounded set of discussions all around! I do not often want to follow all of the sessions in an event, and it was clearly the case this time."
Programme Officer
UNEP
"I truly loved every aspect of it. It was completely different to other conferences I have attended with an unprecedented level of interaction and participation. I very much enjoyed both the panel discussions and the roundtables, which were very interactive and informative. Having such a diverse group of attendees with sometimes wildly different viewpoints and agendas, it is with this group of people we must find the plastic packaging and plastic waste solutions of the future."
Senior Application Development Scientist
Synthomer
"Lots of fruitful discussions and so many engaged professionals working to shape a sustainable future for packaging"
Technical Advocacy Lead
Braskem
"I had a great time discussing the impacts of upcoming and developing legislation of plastic and packaging and probably could’ve gone on forever, thanks to the brilliant panellists I had the pleasure to join."
Head of Sustainability and External Affairs EECM-Benelux
Suntory Beverage & Food Europe
"I got more out of this event than any other packaging conference I've attended. The format was engaging (great discussion and diversity of opinion), the participants were passionate and articulate and from all corners of industry, including: Policy makers, NGOs, material suppliers, converters, retailers, brands and investors. Made some great connections across the spectrum of packaging. "
Packaging Innovation Lead
Opella
"The event attracted a great cross-section of knowledgeable and senior attendees, the venue wasn't too big and there was time to have a good conversations. My objective of putting regulatory challenges in practical perspective was met, taking the temperature of the industry and learning what is keeping key players up at night. "
Counsel
Reed Smith
Contact
For any questions on this event, please contact:
Keep up to date with event news
Our sustainable packaging series include biannual in-person forums in Europe and North America, webinars and podcasts discussing business sustainability insights and packaging innovation updates with leading expert voices.