London Packaging Week 2024 Recap

Paramount Global exhibited at the 2024 London Packaging Week event last week, and it was a great opportunity for our team to connect with the European consumer product market. Organized by Easyfairs, the show was hailed a real success with initial indications suggesting a significant increase in visitor turnout. The show had strong industry engagement and innovative displays and was abuzz with discussions that will pave the way for growth and sustainability.

The two-day event on the 11 and 12 September 2024 at London's ExCel, featured over 190 exhibitors and welcomed thousands of attendees. James Montero MacColl, senior marketing manager at Easyfairs UK, emphasized the success of moving the event back to a Wednesday-Thursday schedule, stating, “Exhibitors were happy, and numerous high-level conversations took place.” Dates for the 2025 event have already been set, with the show returning to the ExCel on October 15 and 16.

London Packaging Week showcases four events dedicated to specific markets – luxury, beauty, drinks, and FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods).

Each event establishes an environment where packaging designers, developers, buyers, and suppliers can connect to do business efficiently and cost-effectively. The ultimate goal is to drive innovation and shape the future of packaging.

Packaging Première: Launched in Milan in 2017, focuses on luxury packaging for products in fashion, fine food, accessories, and retail. It brings together designers, manufacturers, and major international brands seeking to create a unique mark of luxury for their products.

PCD: Established in Paris in 2001, has become the premier event for the beauty packaging industry. It connects brands, designers, and suppliers to drive innovation and business in the beauty and personal care market. The launch of PCD London in 2022 expands this network to the UK's £11.4bn beauty and personal care market.

PLD: Launched in Paris in 2020, focuses on packaging for premium and luxury drinks, including wine, spirits, premium beers, and soft drinks. The event brings together packaging developers, designers, and suppliers to define the future of packaging in the £38.6bn UK alcoholic drinks market.

Food & Consumer Pack: The newest brand at London Packaging Week, targets the £200bn market for everyday food, drinks, and FMCG products. It aims to drive packaging innovation by inspiring packaging technologists and designers with the latest products and knowledge and connecting them with suppliers who can help create the future of their packaging.

Each of these events has a distinct focus, providing a platform for brands, designers, and suppliers to connect, innovate, and shape the future of packaging in their respective industries.

Paramount Global had the opportunity to meet new and existing customers and prospects. This face-to-face interaction allowed for valuable discussions about current and future plans to strengthen partnerships. The event provided a platform for Paramount to showcase its full-service packaging and supply chain solutions, demonstrating how it can add value to businesses across various industries.

Paramount's unique approach to packaging was well received by attendees. The company's added-value services, including stocking programs, provide customers with the necessary support to grow their businesses. Customers have confirmed that Paramount's services have allowed them to streamline operations, increase cash flow, and expand warehouse space, resulting in significant benefits to their operations.

A recurring conversation centered around the advantages of Paramount's stocking programs. These programs provide brands with the flexibility to grow and expand, with stock readily available to fulfill orders quickly and efficiently through a "Just in Time" service.

Discussions at London Packaging Week often focused on sustainability. Attendees sought the most eco-friendly options for their products, and Paramount was well-positioned to offer several sustainable solutions. One notable item was an all-plastic lotion pump made from PCR material, making it fully recyclable and appealing to customers.

New technologies that were introduced at the show were the use of paper closures for aerosols which reduce the use of plastic and promote sustainability.

Amidst an ever-increasing emphasis on environmental responsibility, it was inspiring to see the enthusiasm of companies seeking sustainable packaging solutions at London Packaging Week. With the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, businesses in the UK are re-examining their packaging strategies. This evolving legislative initiative aims to incentivize sustainable packaging practices and hold producers and retailers in the UK accountable for the entire lifecycle of the product.

The energy at London Packaging Week was electric, making it a truly memorable experience. We left the show feeling motivated and inspired by all the conversations that were had. Contact us today to learn how we can be a packaging and supply chain partner to you.

Didn't make it to the show? Check out our quick video recap of the show and our booth display!